YOKOSUKA, Japan. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Arin Dixon, a native of Daytona Beach, Florida, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
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.
Dixon graduated from Mainland High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Daytona Beach.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of independence and how to do things on my own,” said Dixon. “I also learned about being a part of the correct group so I can succeed.”
Dixon joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Dixon serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy to follow in the footsteps of my older sister,” said Dixon. "She is the oldest of six siblings and she joined right out of high school. I was inspired by seeing how it panned out for her and I wanted to do the same thing."
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.
Dixon 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.”
Dixon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being selected to sing the National Anthem at the Ronald Reagan National Defense Forum,” said Dixon.
Dixon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot because it has given me a sense of purpose and drive to succeed in life,” said Dixon.
Dixon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my sister, my parents and Leeshel Gaines,” added Dixon. "They basically uplifted me and stood by my side on this decision and still stand by my side today. They make this all worthwhile."