EVERETT, Wash. - Fireman Recruit Jacobson Fravel, a native of Broadway, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy aboard USS Sampson at Naval Station Everett in the Pacific Northwest.
Fravel graduated from Broadway High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Broadway.
“Growing up, I was on the wrestling team and kickboxing team and that taught me the importance of teamwork,” said Fravel. “In the Navy, if we didn’t work as a team no one would have good communication and everything would be worse off. With good communication, there are fewer mess-ups. When you’re good with everybody, it makes everything easier.”
Fravel joined the Navy seven months ago. Today, Fravel serves as a gas turbine systems technician (mechanical).
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school,” said Fravel. “I was lost, so I joined the Navy for a better start. The Navy is a place where I could get experience, especially while I’m younger, while I figure out what I want to do next. I would be able to earn money, take advantage of the benefits and serve my country.”
Naval Station Everett, one of only two Navy-owned deep-water ports on the West Coast, is home to the command staffs of Carrier Strike Group 11 and Destroyer Group 9, six U.S. Navy ships and one Coast Guard vessel. The base enhances the nation’s ability to accomplish strategic objectives by supporting U.S. Navy and Coast Guard forces, according to Navy officials.
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.
Fravel 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.”
Fravel has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“In ‘A’ school there were a lot of people who wanted me to train with them or wanted fitness advice and I loved helping them,” said Fravel. “There was always someone who wanted me to come with them to the gym to work out. I enjoyed it because I love helping people out, especially if they want to do better for themselves and have more confidence in themselves. I’m proud I was able to help them improve themselves and improve their confidence.”
Fravel can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the Navy means I have a role to play in keeping my loved ones safe,” said Fravel.
Fravel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom and dad, Jennifer Hensley and John Fravel, have been nothing but supportive,” added Fravel. “I’m also thankful for my two older brothers. One of them is in the Army and he told me what the military would be like and what to expect. My brothers have always been there for me and I can talk to them about anything.”
Fravel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom and dad, Jennifer Hensley and John Fravel, have been nothing but supportive,” added Fravel. “I’m also thankful for my two older brothers. One of them is in the Army and he told me what the military would be like and what to expect. My brothers have always been there for me and I can talk to them about anything.”