SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Carlton Johnson, a native of Muskegon, Michigan, 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 |
Johnson graduated from Muskegon High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Muskegon.
“Growing up in Muskegon, I developed small town values,” Johnson said. "Learning to treat people with respect and the way you want to be treated goes a long way."
Johnson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Johnson serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (fuel).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to have a change in scenery,” Johnson said. "The Navy offered me the opportunity to move and see the world while getting paid to do it."
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.
Johnson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of recently earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal after coming back from deployment,” Johnson said. "Having the opportunity to be recognized for my efforts and contributions reminded me why I am here and why I joined."
Johnson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“I am a former athlete and serving in the Navy means I get the opportunity to continue being part of a team,” Johnson said. "To have the opportunity to surround myself with people I enjoy and a mission I enjoy allows me to remain determined."
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my chain of command and my dad for providing me the resources and support to be successful in my job every day,” Johnson added.