SAN DIEGO - Airman Jamal Walker, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Walker graduated from Valdosta High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“Growing up, I learned to invest in anything and seek the reward,” Walker said. “Put your time and effort into it, and even if there’s no reward, just keep going. That’s my mindset.”
Walker joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Walker serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to try something new,” Walker said. “I wanted to try the Navy out.”
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.
Walker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of getting Grape of the Month twice,” Walker said. “I feel like I worked hard for it and that I deserved it. I’m a hard worker regardless.”
Walker serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy has shown me another purpose in life, and that there’s always a purpose,” Walker said. “What we do in the Navy is a team effort.”
Walker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Linda,” Walker added. “She plays a big role in my life.”