SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Jessica Jenkins, a native of Valrico, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-41).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Williams |
Jenkins graduated from Bloomingdale Senior High School in 2017. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2021 with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Jenkins joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the educational and career opportunities it provides,” said Jenkins. "Additionally, there have been many people I have met along my journey that have become lifelong friends that I will never forget."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Valrico.
“I learned the importance of giving your maximum effort every day, not only for yourself but for the people around you,” said Jenkins. "I also learned that working as a team is the best and most efficient way to get a mission done."
According to Navy officials, members of HSM-41 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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.
“My proudest accomplishment was when I got my wings on May 10, 2024,” said Jenkins. "It was a realization of all the hard work I put in the past three years and a mark for the next stage of my career in the Navy."
Jenkins can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself and caring for the team around me,” said Jenkins. "The people I have met in the Navy have come from all walks of life with all different experiences, and that has made my ability to work with others stronger."
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Peggy and Allen, for always supporting me in what I wanted to do, and my sister for always being there for me,” added Jenkins. "I would also like to thank my Aunt Susan, a retired Senior Chief, who has been there for me and who has been an inspiration to me."
Jenkins joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the educational and career opportunities it provides,” said Jenkins. "Additionally, there have been many people I have met along my journey that have become lifelong friends that I will never forget."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Valrico.
“I learned the importance of giving your maximum effort every day, not only for yourself but for the people around you,” said Jenkins. "I also learned that working as a team is the best and most efficient way to get a mission done."
According to Navy officials, members of HSM-41 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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.
“My proudest accomplishment was when I got my wings on May 10, 2024,” said Jenkins. "It was a realization of all the hard work I put in the past three years and a mark for the next stage of my career in the Navy."
Jenkins can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself and caring for the team around me,” said Jenkins. "The people I have met in the Navy have come from all walks of life with all different experiences, and that has made my ability to work with others stronger."
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Peggy and Allen, for always supporting me in what I wanted to do, and my sister for always being there for me,” added Jenkins. "I would also like to thank my Aunt Susan, a retired Senior Chief, who has been there for me and who has been an inspiration to me."