SAN DIEGO - Seaman Erik Williams, a native of Atlanta, 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 |
Williams graduated from Langston Hughes High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“I learned growing up that it doesn’t matter where you come from and that your background doesn't determine your future,” Williams said. "It doesn’t matter where you're from, it only matters where you are headed.”
Williams joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Williams serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because I love airplanes,” Williams said. "I also loved that I could have the opportunity to serve my country while being around planes. It has always been a dream of mine to fly planes and to have the opportunity to watch them off the flight deck is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
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.
Williams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating boot camp as the top sailor out of 900,” Williams said. "I am proud of that because I get the opportunity to pursue greatness every day. It is an unparalleled experience to be recognized for your efforts in the Navy.”
Williams 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 means being a part of something bigger than yourself,” Williams said. "It also means knowing that you don't need to be recognized on a daily basis to know what you are doing is making a positive impact on the world."
Williams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Any interaction I have had in the military has positively impacted me,” Williams said. "My family has supported me every step of the way. Every person I have met has taught me lessons on how to succeed in my career."
Williams offered words of advice to others.
“The sky is the limit,” Williams added. "If you put your mind to it you can achieve anything."