SAN DIEGO – Seaman Jimmy Threat, a native of Pensacola, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy aboard U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim |
Threat joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Threat serves as a retail specialist aboard USS Princeton.
“I joined the Navy because I was looking for direction and independence,” said Threat. “After I graduated from college, my brother, who was in the Army, influenced me to join the military.”
Growing up in Pensacola, Threat graduated from Pensacola High School 2012 and earned a degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 2019.
USS Princeton is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser and the sixth ship in a proud series of U. S. Navy ships to honor the name Princeton. The sixth USS Princeton was commissioned in 1989 in Pascagoula, Mississippi on February 11, 1989.
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers are tactical multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, as well as humanitarian assistance, according to Navy officials.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, cruisers provide the required warfighting expertise and operational flexibility to execute any task overseas.
Serving in the Navy means Threat 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 U.S. Navy is here to protect the country's interests and to help our allies around the globe protect all of our similar interests,” said Threat.
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 Threat have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was awarded the Blue Jacket of the Year during my first year on the ship,” said Threat. “The recognition was due to the dedication to my job, helping others and for teamwork.”
As Threat and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving my country makes me proud,” added Threat. “Helping to protect my fellow citizens means a lot to me. I believe wearing the uniform holds you to a certain standard, and you need to respect what it represents.”