YOKOSUKA, Japan - Seaman Recruit Ja'Niyah Jones, a native of Monroe, Georgia, serves in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, USS Blue Ridge.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Monroe.
“I learned the importance of following your dreams,” said Jones.
Jones joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Jones serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy to explore the world,” said Jones. "It's something that I always wanted to do."
Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as the 7th Fleet command ship, supports an admiral’s staff that actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet provides security alongside allies and partners throughout a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet operates roughly 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.
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.
Jones 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.”
Jones has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to graduate from boot camp and A-school (technical training) and being able to come here to my first command in Japan,” said Jones.
Jones can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me because I am the first child and grandchild to do this,” said Jones. "My family can now follow in my footsteps."
Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents and my uncle,” added Jones. "My parents encouraged me to follow my dreams and not give up. My uncle was in the Army, and he told me it would be a good idea to join."