MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Dominick Poindexter, a native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 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 |
Poindexter, a 2003 graduate of Christian County High School, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and to further my education,” said Poindexter. "I have visited more than 15 countries both during deployment and personal travel."
Today, Poindexter relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hopkinsville to succeed in the military.
“I learned that you have to create opportunity,” said Poindexter. "When you get those opportunities you have to take full advantage of them, work hard and accomplish the goals you set out for yourself."
These lessons have helped Poindexter 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 Poindexter 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's presence around the world is a deterrent to anyone who might want to jeopardize our freedoms,” said Poindexter.
Poindexter and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is having an impact on the sailors I served with either personally or professionally,” said Poindexter. "I helped a sailor once with a family situation more than six years ago, and he still reaches out to me every month to thank me and just to check in on me."
As Poindexter 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 accomplishment,” said Poindexter. "Most people will never serve. I'm proud to be part of this select few."
Poindexter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for their support,” added Poindexter. "My mom and dad, Renea and Raymond, continue to support and guide me to make the Navy a career."
"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 Poindexter 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's presence around the world is a deterrent to anyone who might want to jeopardize our freedoms,” said Poindexter.
Poindexter and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is having an impact on the sailors I served with either personally or professionally,” said Poindexter. "I helped a sailor once with a family situation more than six years ago, and he still reaches out to me every month to thank me and just to check in on me."
As Poindexter 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 accomplishment,” said Poindexter. "Most people will never serve. I'm proud to be part of this select few."
Poindexter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for their support,” added Poindexter. "My mom and dad, Renea and Raymond, continue to support and guide me to make the Navy a career."