WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Wartrace, Tennessee, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with Naval Support Activity Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Lt. Cmdr. Takana L. Jefferson attended Cascade High School and graduated in 1991. Jefferson went on to join the Navy to carry on a family tradition of service.
“My family had every branch of the military covered at the time I was considering joining except for the Navy,” said Jefferson. “I think that was my biggest motivation to choose the Navy. My grandfather, Comer Hord, Senior was in the Air Force and my father, Comer Hord, Junior was in the Army. I also had an uncle who was my biggest influencer. His name was James Cleveland and he retired from the Air Force as a technical sergeant."
Today, Jefferson uses skills and values similar to those learned in Wartrace.
“The life lesson I have carried over from my hometown to my naval career is respect,” said Jefferson. "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect regardless of faith background, gender, race or socioeconomic status. Always be kind to everyone you meet."
These lessons continue to help Jefferson while serving in the military.
As the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and the host of many of the Navy’s central efforts in support of warfighters around the world, Naval Support Activity Washington provides safety, security, and the best possible working environment to supported commanders and customers. Naval Support Activity Washington includes six installations: the Washington Navy Yard, Naval Support Facility Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Support Facility Suitland, Naval Support Facility U.S. Naval Observatory, Naval Support Facility Arlington, and Naval Support Facility Carderock.
The installations each have unique support missions and storied histories, For example, Washington Navy Yard is the Navy’s oldest Navy shore installation, and U.S. Naval Observatory houses the master clock which is the official source of the time for the Department of Defense and U.S. government, supporting public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Serving in the Navy means Jefferson is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy keeps us safe as we work 24/7 all around the world,” said Jefferson. "What I do matters immensely. I am a pastor to all providing counseling and mentorship to active service members protecting our national security."
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.
Jefferson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My biggest accomplishment in my naval career is becoming a Navy chaplain and my current promotion to lieutenant commander,” said Jefferson. "It was not an easy road for sure."
As Jefferson 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.
“The Navy is who I am after serving here for 29 years,” added Jefferson. "It has afforded me so many opportunities that I otherwise would not have had elsewhere. I can travel the world and meet such a diverse population. I believe serving in the Navy taught me how to be a more responsible person and that anything I wanted to do, I could do it if I put my mind to it. I am eternally grateful for the person the Navy has molded me to be.”