OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Cameryn Jenkins, a native of Inverness, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Jenkins graduated from Crystal River High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Inverness.
“A lesson that will forever resonate with me is the wisdom found in God’s word,” said Jenkins. “Proverbs 3:5 tells us, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’”
Jenkins joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Jenkins serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I enlisted in the Navy with the goal of advancing my education without a financial burden and ensuring a secure future for my prospective family,” said Jenkins.
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
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.
Jenkins 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.”
Jenkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being named Sailor of the Year at FRCNW within a year of joining the Navy and being able to help other sailors achieve their goals,” said Jenkins. “I’ve cherished the opportunity to accumulate over 200 volunteer hours in my community, be honored as Sailor of the Month and I am currently pursuing my cyber security information assurance associate degree at no cost.”
Jenkins can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me, serving in the military means being dedicated to a greater purpose, and defending cherished values, our nation and its people,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m thankful for my family and friends who have supported me and the people I’ve met along the way who have been there for me,” added Jenkins.