MAYPORT, Fla. - Master Chief Petty Officer Bradley Johnson, a native of North Charleston, South Carolina, 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 |
Johnson, a 1997 graduate of R.B. Stall High School, joined the Navy 25 years ago. Additionally, Johnson is a 2008 graduate from the University of Phoenix with an Associate in General Studies and a 2010 and 2022 graduate of Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science and a Master's in Emergency Management.
“I joined the Navy to travel, to see the world, to further my education and to expand my horizons,” said Johnson.
Today, Johnson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in North Charleston to succeed in the military.
“My family and my surroundings taught me to be humble, to respect others and to be tough-minded,” said Johnson.
These lessons have helped Johnson 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 Johnson 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 contributes to our national defense by projecting air and sea power,” said Johnson. "The Navy patrols the world's waterways to provide safe passage and navigation. We can take warplanes anywhere in the world when called upon."
Johnson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is advancing in rank to E-9 as a master chief petty officer,” said Johnson. "My father, Ben Johnson, served for 28 years in Air Force and retired as an E-9, a chief master sergeant. He was an influence on me to join the military, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps and retire at the same rank he did."
As Johnson 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 means doing my part to protect our country from adversaries and making sure my loved ones are taken care of,” said Johnson.
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Ben and Ruby Johnson, for their love and support,” added Johnson. "I would also like to thank my twin brother, Brian, who joined the Navy at the same time that I did. We actually served on two aircraft carriers together, USS John C. Stennis and USS Harry S. Truman. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Kimara, and my three children, Kiana, 20, Kyra, 18, and Kaleb, 16, who all stood by me for my whole journey."