By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jennifer Gold, Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Jelani Richardson, a native of West Hempstead, New York, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California. |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Richardson joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Richardson serves as an aviation structural mechanic, safety equipment supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“I wanted to see the world and also work on aircraft,” said Richardson. “I've always had an interest in flying and wanted to understand how planes work. That led me to the Navy.”
Growing up in West Hampstead, Richardson attended Malverne High School and graduated in 2000. Today, Richardson uses the same skills and values learned in West Hampstead to succeed in the military.
“I learned how to work with people from all different backgrounds growing up,” said Richardson. “Everyone can make a contribution. Our different talents collectively get the job done.”
These lessons have helped Richardson while serving in the Navy.
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
“The men and women of VRM 30 deliver lethality and combat effectiveness to the Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Steve Parente, VRM 30’s commanding officer. “Through the sustainment of high priority logistics and critical personnel, our worldwide deployable CMV-22 Detachments directly enable the combat power of the world’s most powerful Navy anytime, anywhere. The Titans are extremely proud of their significant responsibility and steadfast service in the defense of our great nation.”
Serving in the Navy means Richardson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides stability,” said Richardson. “Not by using force, but by having a presence all over the world.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Richardson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Being an instructor in A school for my rate and training junior sailors right out of boot camp how to do their jobs is very rewarding,” said Richardson. “Because I gave them a strong foundation and prepared them for what to expect in the fleet, I know they are out there making me proud.”
As Richardson and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means providing leadership and representing the U.S. to the best of my abilities,” added Richardson. “I’m honored to be able to work with other countries to help provide peace in the world.”