GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Jourdan, an Asheville, North Carolina, native is one of those sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew Waters |
Jourdan is an intelligence specialist currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, that serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Jourdan graduated from George High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in 1992.
Jourdan joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“Initially, joining the Navy was to supplement my family's income," said Jourdan. "I joined as a Navy reservist, but I found it more meaningful than my career path at the time, so I went active duty in 2018.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Asheville.
“I learned the difference between doing what makes you happy and doing what is meaningful to you, said Jourdan.
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.
Jourdan 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.”
Jourdan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the Humanitarian Service Ribbon I received as part of Operation Allied Refuge, helping Afghan refugees relocate to the U.S.,” said Jourdan.
Jourdan can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to do something with a real purpose,” said Jourdan.
Jourdan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my children, Cat, Julian, and Tyre, for giving me a reason to get up in the morning,” said Jourdan. “I received a bachelor's degree in professional music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1997,” added Jourdan. “I also received my Information Warfare Specialist and Expeditionary Warfare pins during my career.”