SAN DIEGO - Lt. Jonah Cerbin, a native of Redding, Connecticut, 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 |
Cerbin graduated from Joel Barlow High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Redding.
“I learned growing up to not judge a book by its cover,” Cerbin said. “Having 60 to 100 sailors under me, it is important not to judge them because I never know what they are going through. Redding also taught me the importance of having empathy towards others.”
Cerbin joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Cerbin serves as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer.
“I joined the Navy after debating whether or not I wanted to obtain a master’s degree after graduation,” Cerbin said. “I knew I didn’t want a desk job and I stumbled upon this opportunity and saw it as a good way to establish a strong career. Going into renewable energy was also something I always desired.”
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.
Cerbin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest moments was during an exercise with Marines,” Cerbin said. “While at sea, the swell started to overwhelm my peer’s boat and ultimately, it was damaged. While both on smaller vessels, I commanded my boat to provide support to the damaged vessel and the look of relief on the crew's face was something I’ll never forget.”
Cerbin serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“I joined the Navy thinking the impact I would have was going to be global,” Cerbin said. “What I've realized since is the impact I have in the Navy is directly on those below me. I have the greatest impact on the lives of those around me. I am proud to help other sailors learn and prepare them for the future whether that is inside or outside of the Navy.”
Cerbin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and stepdad,” Cerbin added. “My stepdad was a Marine and was very influential in my decision to join. My mom was originally adverse to me joining, but after the fact, she has been my biggest supporter in my decision.”