MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. Jason Schwartz, a native of North Bergen, New Jersey, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
Schwartz, a 2000 graduate of North Bergen High School, joined the Navy 23 years ago. Additionally, Schwartz graduated from the University of Louisville in 2021 with a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.
“I joined the Navy to provide for my wife, my son and to fulfill a childhood dream of mine,” said Schwartz. "The dream was to serve in the military while being part of something much bigger than myself."
Today, Schwartz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in North Bergen to succeed in the military.
“From a broader view, I learned to appreciate diversity since New Jersey is a melting pot of culture and tradition from all over the world,” said Schwartz. "More narrowly, it's just blue-collar, family-loving, team-driven hard work."
These lessons have helped Schwartz 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 Schwartz 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 at the forefront of this country’s freedom by serving as an ambassador around the world, ensuring not only our strength as a nation is felt but also our compassion,” said Schwartz.
Schwartz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being able to give my wife and my children the life they deserve,” said Schwartz. "They've supported me in a lifestyle that is like no other."
As Schwartz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“My family and I couldn't be prouder to be part of the Navy,” said Schwartz. "It means the world to me to be blessed to wear the cloth of my nation and pay respect to those who went before us."
Schwartz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd first like to thank my wife for supporting me and my children for embracing a choice they didn't make,” said Schwartz. "I also like to thank those who have invested in me including my parents, youth coaches and Navy leaders."
“I want to thank the Navy for giving my family so many opportunities,” added Schwartz. "Thank you to all those who stop and take the time to say, 'Thank you,' when it is we who are proud to serve. Most importantly, I thank those veterans who went before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice."