YOKOSUKA, Japan - Airman Jihad Muhammad, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Muhammad graduated from Ashbrook High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Charlotte.
“My mom always told me about the importance of being able to 'hurry up and wait',” said Muhammad. "She was prior Navy, so she knew."
Muhammad joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Muhammad serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I saw it as a stepping stool in life,” said Muhammad. "I want to build a career."
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Muhammad serves in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Muhammad has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Muhammad has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm being nominated for junior sailor of the quarter in my department,” said Muhammad. "I'm also proud of my deployment and staying out of trouble."
Muhammad can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Service is about doing a job that nobody else wants to do,” said Muhammad.
Muhammad is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom,” added Muhammad. "She encouraged me to get out and explore and she modeled her work ethic for me."
Muhammad is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom,” added Muhammad. "She encouraged me to get out and explore and she modeled her work ethic for me."