SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Anthony Green, a native of San Bernadino, California, 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 |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernadino.
“I was a wrestler growing up,” Green said. "I learned how to remain driven and motivated which has helped me achieve success in the Navy and earn my qualifications."
Green joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Green serves as an air traffic controller.
“I joined the Navy to have the opportunity to be successful professionally,” Green said. "When I was joining I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to work in aviation. This career has provided me the opportunity to work a career field that I always dreamed of."
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.
Green has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was graduating A school,” Green said. "Air traffic controller school is one of the most intensive educational environments I have ever witnessed. I have the opportunity to work in a career that is unlike any other. Air traffic on the carrier is unlike anything you can experience in the civilian sector."
Green 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 serving a greater purpose while enjoying it at the same time,” Green said. "During under ways it is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Getting to hear the aircraft land on the deck is exhilarating. You have nights where we are flying all night and supporting a fun and essential mission set is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The first time I talked to an aircraft on deployment was one of the most exciting experiences I had to this day."
Green is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for all the support,” Green added. "Prior to my departure, I had a party where I saw extended family I hadn't seen in years. I was able to reconnect with family and learn how much pride they took in my work."