MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Young, a native of Winfield, Kansas, 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 |
Young, a 2012 graduate of Winfield High School, joined the Navy 10 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and receive a better education,” said Young. "I got to visit more than five countries during my last deployment. England was a lot of fun."
Today, Young relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Winfield to succeed in the military.
“I learned hard work, being respectful of others and to always stay humble,” said Young. "In the Navy, we work with a lot of different people from different backgrounds and what I learned from home has helped me to build better relationships."
These lessons have helped Young 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 Young 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.
“We protect the coasts of the United States through a worldwide presence,” said Young.
Young and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of overcoming my fears,” said Young. "I'm a shy person and the Navy has given me a lot of confidence."
As Young and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving means always having a lifeline,” said Young. "The Navy has become like a family to me and I know that I will always have support from them."
Young is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my husband, Brad, and my children, Kierney and Sylas, and my grandparents,” said Young. "My late grandpa, Jack Shelton, was in the Navy and he was the reason I chose this as my branch of service."
“If you are uncertain about what your plans are after high school, consider joining the military,” added Young. "Phenomenal opportunities await you."
Serving in the Navy means Young 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.
“We protect the coasts of the United States through a worldwide presence,” said Young.
Young and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of overcoming my fears,” said Young. "I'm a shy person and the Navy has given me a lot of confidence."
As Young and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving means always having a lifeline,” said Young. "The Navy has become like a family to me and I know that I will always have support from them."
Young is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my husband, Brad, and my children, Kierney and Sylas, and my grandparents,” said Young. "My late grandpa, Jack Shelton, was in the Navy and he was the reason I chose this as my branch of service."
“If you are uncertain about what your plans are after high school, consider joining the military,” added Young. "Phenomenal opportunities await you."