SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jiovanni Goodloe, a native of Glendora, California, serves aboard USS Jack H. Lucas, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Goodloe graduated from Charter Oak High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Glendora.
“My friend, parents and coaches taught me growing up to be a hard worker, to never give up and to make the most of what you have before it's gone,” Goodloe said. “Those lessons are important because a lot of people don’t take chances to get out of their comfort zone. However, if you don’t try new things, you won’t know what you’re missing.”
Goodloe joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Goodloe serves as a damage controlman.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and to get out of my comfort zone,” Goodloe said.
Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.
Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Goodloe has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of going on deployment and helping combat major flooding because I feel like I had saved the ship,” Goodloe “I also gained experience doing my job better and I was happy to help people.”
Goodloe 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 physically and mentally working hard while gaining knowledge and long-term friendships,” Goodloe said.
Goodloe is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my siblings, Mercie, Helen, Skye, and Johnny, for pushing me to do more in my life and for pushing me to join the Navy,” Goodloe added. “I also want to thank my mentor, Chief Damage Contralman Bryan Petway, for being a big part of continuing with the rate I chose.”