SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Brown, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Base Point Loma.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Brown graduated from L.W. Higgins High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in New Orleans.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of resiliency, being able to adapt to different situations and circumstances, and being family-oriented,” Brown said. “It helps me in the Navy because you never know what can happen. At different stages in my career, I’ve been on multiple deployments where I’ve had to adapt and overcome challenges. In different units, you have a cohesive or family environment, and that’s good because it helps you all work together.”
Brown joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Brown serves as a logistics specialist at Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.
“I joined the Navy to travel, experience different things in life and learn a trade,” Brown said. “I had a girlfriend at the time whose dad was in the Navy. He told me about serving, and I looked forward to doing it when I was of age. The commercials looked cool, too.”
Naval Base Point Loma provides support to 70 U.S. Pacific Fleet commands headquartered on the base, including five nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines. The base is also home to Cabrillo National Park and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, which averages more than 1.2 million visitors annually.
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.
Brown has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of watching my peers and subordinates advance their careers and their lives, not just professionally but personally,” Brown said. “Just being a part of the team with them, helping them grow, learn and reach their goals is rewarding. I’m up for chief petty officer right now, so if I’m selected, that will definitely be one of my proudest accomplishments.”
Brown 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 I’m part of something bigger than myself,” Brown said. “No one in my immediate family has served in the military. Giving back to the community and country is important to me. I do a lot of community work in addition to my service in the Navy.”
Brown is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Quentin Pratt,” Brown added. “Senior is the perfect example of what a chief should be. He has helped me develop my leadership skills and taught me about my rate. I’d also like to thank my wife, Tabraysha. She’s been there with me through all this in my career, going through deployments and different changes in schedules, managing the household and our family, all while working. She serves as a logistics specialist in the Navy, as well.”