NORFOLK, Va. - Airman Malik Guerrier, a native of Edgewood, Maryland, serves aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Guerrier graduated from Joppatowne High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Edgewood.
“A lesson I learned from my hometown would be to ‘take risks and prosper,’” said Guerrier. “One of my big brothers always told me that nothing worth having comes easy and if you don’t take risks, you won’t achieve anything.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adriones Johnson |
Guerrier graduated from Joppatowne High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Edgewood.
“A lesson I learned from my hometown would be to ‘take risks and prosper,’” said Guerrier. “One of my big brothers always told me that nothing worth having comes easy and if you don’t take risks, you won’t achieve anything.”
Guerrier joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Guerrier serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I was tired of struggling,” said Guerrier. “I wanted to change my life for the better.”
The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first deployment for the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation and support Israel in its right to self-defense.
While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Turkey. Other ships in the strike group visited Belgium, Cyprus, Montenegro, Spain, and Sweden.
“The Gerald R. Ford is everything our nation hoped it would be, and more. I am so proud of the crew, who breathed life into the world’s most technologically advanced warship and stood the watch in defense of our national interests,” said Capt. Rick Burgess, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Though extended, we were the right ship at the right time to answer the call, and our sailors performed admirably. Ford sailors honored our namesake’s legacies of hard work, integrity, and courage.”
In 239 days underway, the ship’s crew conducted 43 underway replenishments, logged more than 17,826 flight hours and 10,396 sorties, sailed more than 83,476 nautical miles, and safely transferred 20.7 million gallons of fuel with zero mishaps. The Ford crew conducted 33,444 flight deck moves, 3,124 hangar bay aircraft moves, 2,883 aircraft elevator moves, 16,351 aircraft fueling evolutions, and transferred 8,850 pallets of cargo and mail. The Gerald R. Ford culinary team prepared and served 3.1 million meals, which included approximately 48,000 dozen eggs, 24,000 gallons of milk, 131,000 hamburgers, 367,000 pounds of chicken, and Gerald R. Ford’s favorite, 79,000 chocolate chip cookies.
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.
Guerrier serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Guerrier has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments was getting nominated for a Blue Jacket award while on deployment,” said Guerrier. “It felt validating to be recognized for the dedication I have put into my work.”
Guerrier can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I have to live by the core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Guerrier. “I live by the core values, even without the uniform on. Honor has been instilled in me through my time in the Navy, it is something I carry with me. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to join. In life, it’s all gas, no brakes.”
Guerrier is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Starie, my uncle, Orlando, and my auntie, Tanya,” said Guerrier. “My mom, having me at a young age, showed me resilience and strength, shaping me into a better man. My uncle introduced me to extracurricular activities, broadening my horizons. My auntie has always been there for me, no matter what was going on in my life. Without their support, I might have gone down the wrong path.”
Guerrier offered encouragement for anyone in need of a positive word.
“It is easy for young people to get into negative mindsets, but you have to be open-minded,” added Guerrier. “There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to be able to take risks and prosper with them.”