SAN DIEGO - A native of Montgomery, Alabama, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Boxer, which is homeported in San Diego.
Seaman Alexandra AlfordJones, a 2020 Stanhope Elmore High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“My uncle was an admiral in the Navy,” said AlfordJones. “He is someone I've always looked up to, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Today, AlfordJones serves as an aviation boatswain's mate in aircraft handling.
Seaman Alexandra AlfordJones, a 2020 Stanhope Elmore High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“My uncle was an admiral in the Navy,” said AlfordJones. “He is someone I've always looked up to, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Today, AlfordJones serves as an aviation boatswain's mate in aircraft handling.
AlfordJones relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Montgomery to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to always push harder for what I want, because there are always going to be people who put you down,” said AlfordJones. “Especially as a woman, I know I have to work hard to succeed.”
Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. ship to bear the name. The ship recently completed a scheduled maintenance availability and is preparing for upcoming operations.
Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft, according to Navy officials. They also are capable of accessing 75 percent of the world’s beaches.
Serving in the Navy means AlfordJones is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy can perform our mission from anywhere in the world,” said Alford Jones.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like AlfordJones have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I've made great strides with my own mental well-being while in the Navy, and now I'm in a position to help others as well,” said AlfordJones.
As AlfordJones and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“When I first joined, I wanted to do my time to secure education benefits,” AlfordJones said. “But I've since learned it's a privilege to serve and protect my nation. Not a lot of people can take part in this service or they choose not to, but I'm honored that I can.”
Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, commissioned Feb. 11, 1995, and is the sixth U.S. ship to bear the name. The ship recently completed a scheduled maintenance availability and is preparing for upcoming operations.
Boxer’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies and can support helicopters or other aircraft, according to Navy officials. They also are capable of accessing 75 percent of the world’s beaches.
Serving in the Navy means AlfordJones is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy can perform our mission from anywhere in the world,” said Alford Jones.
More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.
Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Sailors like AlfordJones have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I've made great strides with my own mental well-being while in the Navy, and now I'm in a position to help others as well,” said AlfordJones.
As AlfordJones and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“When I first joined, I wanted to do my time to secure education benefits,” AlfordJones said. “But I've since learned it's a privilege to serve and protect my nation. Not a lot of people can take part in this service or they choose not to, but I'm honored that I can.”