YOKOSUKA, Japan. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Lloyd, a native of Teaneck, New Jersey, 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.
Lloyd graduated from Teaneck High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Teaneck.
“I learned growing up that no matter what, you always check on things and make sure that your work gets done,” said Lloyd. "You have to take ownership and pride in the work you do."
Lloyd joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Lloyd serves as an electrician's mate (nuclear).
“I joined the Navy to get on my own two feet and establish myself,” said Lloyd.
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.
Lloyd 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.”
Lloyd has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating from one of the mentally hardest schools because not everyone can do that,” said Lloyd.
Lloyd can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Being in the Navy means serving my country proudly,” said Lloyd. "It’s a path toward my future and it has given me many choices."
Lloyd is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my theater teacher in high school,” added Lloyd. "They helped me establish pride in myself, taught me to have a strong work ethic, and how to understand myself."