MAYPORT, Fla. - Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Burns, a native of Laurel, Iowa, 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 |
Burns, a 2003 graduate of East Marshall High School, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy looking for a sense of purpose,” said Burns. "College did not work out when I was younger, and I wanted to do something bigger with my life and experience the world outside of a town with 220 people."
Today, Burns relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Laurel to succeed in the military.
“I learned a sense of community,” said Burns. "Where I grew up, everyone knows everyone and is always willing to help “at the drop of a hat.” I've tried to carry that with me while I've been in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Burns 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 Burns 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 is always on the watch,” said Burns. "Right now, ships are patrolling the world to keep the United States and our allies safe. Those who are not deployed are preparing to take up the watch when their time arrives."
Burns and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment comes from receiving phone calls from sailors who work with me to tell me they advanced in rank,” said Burns. "There is nothing better than hearing the joy someone feels when they are successful and knowing that they want to share that joy with you."
As Burns 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 connects me with my grandfather, Allen VeStrand.,” said Burns. "He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. It means carrying on a legacy."
Burns is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my family for the continued support they've given me over the past 16 years,” said Burns. "When I approached them with the idea of leaving for the Navy, they were behind me 100 percent. Because of them, I've been able to grow as a person, see the world and live the dream."
“College and I did not agree as a young man but thanks to the Navy, I graduated in February 2023 from American University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science,” added Burns. "Without the financial assistance and chance to mature in the Navy, this would not have been possible."
"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 Burns 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 is always on the watch,” said Burns. "Right now, ships are patrolling the world to keep the United States and our allies safe. Those who are not deployed are preparing to take up the watch when their time arrives."
Burns and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment comes from receiving phone calls from sailors who work with me to tell me they advanced in rank,” said Burns. "There is nothing better than hearing the joy someone feels when they are successful and knowing that they want to share that joy with you."
As Burns 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 connects me with my grandfather, Allen VeStrand.,” said Burns. "He served in the Air Force during the Korean War. It means carrying on a legacy."
Burns is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my family for the continued support they've given me over the past 16 years,” said Burns. "When I approached them with the idea of leaving for the Navy, they were behind me 100 percent. Because of them, I've been able to grow as a person, see the world and live the dream."
“College and I did not agree as a young man but thanks to the Navy, I graduated in February 2023 from American University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science,” added Burns. "Without the financial assistance and chance to mature in the Navy, this would not have been possible."