VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jarrell Smith, a native of Currie, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Smith graduated from Atlantic Coast High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Currie.
“I learned early on how important time management is,” Smith said. “Everything has a set time limit in the Navy. There is a definite start date and end date, and it's a great feeling to be able to say I completed a task on time or early.”
Smith joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Smith serves as an interior communications electrician.
“I joined the Navy because my family was kind of down, and I wanted to help take care of them,” Smith said.
ACU-4 provides combat-ready landing craft, air cushions (LCACs) to conduct operational missions worldwide. Combining high speed, exceptional maneuverability and long-range qualities with the ability to travel over land, these unique connectors provide added versatility to the amphibious force and can deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from ship to shore and back.
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.
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is helping my people achieve their best selves,” Smith said. “I enjoy guiding people down the right path, and it is the best contribution anyone in the Navy can make, helping people move forward.”
Smith 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 am doing something that not a lot of people can do,” Smith said.
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Pamela, for raising me properly and teaching me right from wrong,” Smith said. “She was very supportive of me joining the Navy, and she has always been proud of me and my service. I also want to thank Chief Charles Parsons, III, for being the best interior communications electrician chief I've ever met. Finally, I want to thank Chief Electronics Technician Bartman for setting the tone in terms of leadership skills.”