MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Krysta Monrose, a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, 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 |
Monrose, a 2005 graduate of Kenwood High School, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and get some stability,” said Monrose. "My first duty station was Greece, and I found out that the people are amazing there. It's a small base, but when I traveled outside of the base I saw what an amazing country it was."
Today, Monrose relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Clarksville to succeed in the military.
“I learned not to get too comfortable,” said Monrose. "Things are constantly changing in the Navy, so learning not to get stagnant was incredibly helpful."
These lessons have helped Monrose 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 Monrose 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.
“A major reason why the Navy is all over the world is so we can prevent threats from winding up on our shores,” said Monrose.
Monrose and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“The thing I'm most proud of is just joining the Navy,” said Monrose. "I didn't realize how small the Navy is. Only one percent of the population is currently serving."
As Monrose and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means I can provide a future for myself and my kids,” said Monrose. "The Navy offers healthcare, educational opportunities and a chance for them to see the world also."
Monrose is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Rose and Louis,” said Monrose. "My dad served 20 years in the Army and he gave me a lot of great advice and told me the Navy was a great option. Here I am nine years later."
“I would also like to thank my sister and her husband, Lisa and Andre Sinclair,” added Monrose. "They have been an amazing support for me during deployments."