SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Johnathan Caldwell, a native of Wylie, Texas, 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 |
Caldwell graduated from Wylie East High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wylie.
“Growing up in a small town, I realized I had to seize every opportunity offered,” Caldwell said. "I follow my heart now and take every opportunity possible. In doing so, I have been able to take advantage of every experience the Navy has to offer."
Caldwell joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Caldwell serves as an engineman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to find the right path for myself,” Caldwell said. "I also wanted to create opportunities and experiences for myself. I grew up with limited resources and I wanted to take a step in the right direction for my family and myself."
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.
Caldwell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of knowing my division can trust me,” Caldwell said. "As a third class petty officer, I was able to gain my division’s trust early on. I did so by making sure to always do my job effectively and efficiently."
Caldwell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“The Navy has provided me opportunities I never had growing up,” Caldwell said. "I always desired to see all the world had to offer and meet people from all different walks of life. By joining the Navy, I have been able to grow into the person I am today."
Caldwell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Granny, my Bubba and my Mawmaw,” Caldwell said. " They provided me with all the resources to be successful today. My grandparents supported me throughout my youth to help guide me to where I am today."
Caldwell offered some words of advice to others.
“It is never too late to pursue your goals,” Caldwell added. "Always strive for greatness; it is always just an arms reach away."