SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class John Sullivan, a native of Apple Valley, California, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Sullivan graduated from Excelsior Charter High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Apple Valley.
“Growing up in my hometown, I had to work hard and not only plan ahead but make alternative plans should I run into problems,” Sullivan said. “Being in the Navy, what they never tell you is things can change at a moment’s notice. You can be off work, get a phone call and have to go right back to work.”
Sullivan joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Sullivan serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I was inspired to join the Navy by my family and a few friends,” Sullivan said. “My family has a long military history. My great-grandfather and grandfather on my Dad’s side were in the Navy. My great-grandfather was a SEAL and my grandfather was a machinist’s mate. I never met them because they both passed away before I was born. My dad was in the Air Force. I also had a few friends who were also in the Navy.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Sullivan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of achieving the rank of petty officer third class,” Sullivan said. “I am proud of this because not only have I worked hard, but I have sacrificed so much for it.”
Sullivan serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Being able to serve in the Navy means the world to me because I am making it a better place for my family,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family and my recruit division commanders in boot camp,” Sullivan added. “I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.”