By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Edwards, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Edwards, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Edwards joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition,” said Edwards. "My father, Gordon Edwards, and my uncle, George Edwards, both previously served as Marine sergeants in the infantry and in the Gulf War."
Today, Edwards relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Fort Lauderdale to succeed in the military.
“My parents instilled in me a good work ethic that has definitely helped me out in the military and helped me grow in my career,” said Edwards.
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 Edwards 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 supports national defense by maintaining sea lanes across the world is vital to both our commerce and democracy,” said Edwards.
Edwards and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment came in August to September 2021 when I was tasked with assisting the Afghanistan refugees and providing them with provisions, shelter and clothes,” said Edwards. "Just seeing the aid that we can provide to people is a reflection of what our country can do and how we can help those in need.”
As Edwards 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 gives me a sense of pride and is an opportunity to grow, and excel in my career,” said Edwards.
Edwards is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank both my parents for supporting my decision to join the Navy,” added Edwards. “I would also like to thank my mentors, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Zachary Wallace, currently serving aboard USS Devastator in Bahrain, and Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Samuel Miro, who is currently serving in Souda Bay, Greece.”