MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Blocker was recently named the 2024 Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY) for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4. Blocker's in-laws live in Chicago, Illinois.
JSOY is an accolade given to an exemplary sailor, selected by a board of senior enlisted out of multiple competitive entries, for their accomplishments.
Blocker graduated from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia, in 2005. Additionally, Blocker earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Savannah State University in 2008 and a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of North Texas in 2011.
Blocker joined the Navy ten years ago. Today Blocker serves as an operations specialist.
"I joined the Navy because I had a job in hospitality but I was bored and unchallenged," Blocker said. "I was walking home one day from work and struck up a conversation with a stranger in passing who turned out to be a Navy recruiter. It took me two years to decide if I wanted to join because I was a shy military child and never really saw myself on this path. My father was also in the Navy and an operations specialist like me."
Blocker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am proud of pinning my husband, a true hard charger, who continues to rise through the ranks," Blocker said. "I'm also proud of all the qualifications and certifications I've earned throughout my career that have provided me with the means to help sailors and others in meaningful ways. Lastly, I'm proud of being named Junior Sailor of the Year for CSG-4."
The mission of CSG-4 is to mentor, train and assess naval forces for global combat against peer competitors.
Blocker serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"The Navy has given me a sense of purpose," Blocker said. "It gives me a chance to better myself, protect the ones I love and defend our core values of independence for people of all walks of life."
Blocker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my husband, friends and family for their continued love and support throughout the years," Blocker said. "They always see the best in me and show out in big ways whenever I've accomplished a goal. Support from your village is everything."