MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. Hassan Abdelhalim, a native of Charlottesville, Virginia, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Neigel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Abdelhalim, a 2005 graduate of Albemarle High School and 2019 William and Mary School of Law graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the experience, adventure and professional development,” said Abdelhalim. "It's the only place you can practice law and have an impact on leadership at a high level."
Today, Abdelhalim relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Charlottesville to succeed in the military.
“I learned that you can have an impact by saying ‘Hello’ to someone,” said Abdelhalim. "The connection to other people and the relationships you develop and the impact you can have, make you realize it's a small Navy. Sailors may not remember the job you did, but they may remember how you're connected to the people you helped."
These lessons have helped Abdelhalim while serving in the Navy.
NAVSTA Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility, and has an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling any aircraft in DoD inventory.
The mission of NAVSTA Mayport is to sustain and enhance warfighter readiness. The Navy at Mayport covers 3,409 acres and is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. NAVSTA Mayport is home to more than 70 tenant commands and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet and the Navy’s first Triton squadron, according to Navy officials.
NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Abdelhalim is part of a team 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.
“I think the Navy is important to National Defense because we protect our cyber assets, which helps to protect what comes in and out of our country,” said Abdelhalim.
Abdelhalim and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was doing my promotion ceremony in Washington D.C.,” said Abdelhalim. "The ceremony was during Cherry Blossom season in front of the Jefferson Memorial with my parents and my friends from law school present."
As Abdelhalim and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means that you're in the one percent who have an instant connection,” said Abdelhalim. "The Navy offers a unique combination of not just my background, but the connection to people who also serve."
Abdelhalim is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my parents, Hanan Mirghani and Omer, who became United States citizens when I was in middle school, which allowed me to commission,” said Abdelhalim. "I'd also like to thank my law school classmates, especially Hanna Sherman, who also served and gave me advice."
“If there are people who think the Navy isn't for them, don't let your expectations stop you from exploring what you can contribute because you'll be valued for the uniqueness of your contributions,” added Abdelhalim. "Bodo's Bagels over everything."