MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephanie Alejandro-Hayes, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Alejandro-Hayes, a 2020 graduate of Oscar F. Smith High School, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy so I can provide a better life for myself and my parents,” said Alejandro-Hayes. "I wanted to serve the country that has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise gotten.”
Today, Alejandro-Hayes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Chesapeake to succeed in the military.
“I learned many lessons growing up in my hometown, such as perseverance,” said Alejandro-Hayes. "I also learned that when life gets hard, keep pushing so you can achieve all the goals you’ve set for yourself."
These lessons have helped Alejandro-Hayes while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jason Dunham. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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 Alejandro-Hayes 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.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by actively patrolling our seas, and escorting supply ships and other vessels through foreign waters,” said Alejandro-Hayes. "We also conduct search and rescue missions, assist other branches in their missions and protect our freedoms here in the United States."
Alejandro-Hayes and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being named Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Alejandro-Hayes. "I am proud that because it means I am an example for other sailors coming in that if they work hard, it won’t go unnoticed.”
As Alejandro-Hayes and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy allows me to come into work and do a job I am passionate about,” said Alejandro-Hayes. "The Navy has given me financial stability so that I can provide for my family. I will be getting my United States citizenship soon and I’ll be able to petition for my mom to come to the United States. The Navy has given me the recourses I needed and now my family will be reunited after spending 18 years apart."
Alejandro-Hayes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and my dad for being my motivation for joining,” added Alejandro-Hayes. "I also want to thank the faculty and staff at Oscar F. Smith High School for giving me the encouragement and support I needed when I wanted to join the Navy."