KANSAS CITY, Mo. – U.S. Navy sailors from across the fleet are in the area this week for Kansas City Navy Week, volunteering in the community and discussing why the Navy matters to the Heart of America.
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| Chief Cyber Warfare Technician Justin Bowen, of Raytown, serves a customer at Thelma's Kitchen as part of Kansas City Navy Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Madison Kwok) |
While many of the visiting sailors are from all over the country, this Navy Week will carry special meaning for those sailors from the area, including Chief Petty Officer Justin Bowen, a native of Raytown, Missouri. Bowen is currently assigned to Navy Information Operations Command Pensacola, Florida, whose mission is to execute cyberspace operations and signals intelligence in support of Naval, Joint Forces, and National tasking authorities.
“It’s important to me to be able to go back home and share my experiences and hopefully present opportunities to people who are looking for something different in life,” said Bowen.
Bowen graduated from Raytown South High School in 2006. Additionally, Bowen earned a master’s degree in cyber security from Webster University in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raytown.
“I learned from my hometown and my family to have a strong work ethic and loyalty,” said Bowen. “As a child, I was in Boy Scouts and learned the importance of commitment and honesty, which have aided in my success throughout my Naval career.”
Bowen joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Bowen. “It allowed me the opportunity to leave my hometown and gain new experiences throughout the world.”
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| Chief Cyber Warfare Technician Justin Bowen is saluted after his chief pinning ceremony. |
Today, Bowen serves as a cyber warfare technician.
“I do cybersecurity,” said Bowen. “I travel the world to make sure that our Navy networks are secure and free from adversary attacks.”
Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Kansas City.
This is the fourth Navy Week to be hosted by Kansas City and the surrounding communities, with the last visit in 2021.
“Sailors are the reason America’s Navy is the most powerful in the world,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, NAVCO’s director. “We are thrilled to bring your Navy Warfighters to Kansas City. At Navy Weeks, Americans will connect with sailors who have strong character, competence, and dedication to the mission, and who continue a nearly 250-year tradition of decisive power from the seabed to cyberspace.”
Throughout the week, sailors have been participating in various community events across the area, including ceremonial celebrations at Harry S. Truman Museum, WWI Museum, and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; volunteering with the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, Habitat for Humanity Kansas City, Bishop Sullivan’s Center, Happy Bottoms, and Thelma’s Kitchen; and engaging with students across multiple high schools. Navy Band Great Lakes will be on hand all week providing free live music at venues across the area for residents’ enjoyment.
Bowen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to train and mentor junior sailors,” said Bowen. “I feel the most pride in service when my sailors are properly recognized with awards or qualifications.”
Bowen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Dave and Jeanne, and my brother and sister, Eric and Lesa, for their support throughout this 16-year journey,” added Bowen.