By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bessemer City.
“I learned about hard work in my hometown,” Taylor said. “Between training for the Navy, Advanced Placement classes, college classes and working as a lifeguard, I learned that if you really put the work in, you will reap the rewards.”
Taylor joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Taylor serves as a hospital corpsman.
“My dad used to tell me he regretted not joining the Navy,” Taylor said. “So, after looking into the career options they had, I decided I would serve while also telling my dad how it was.”
Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is named in honor of the 26th president of the United States.
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.
The Navy’s aircraft carriers are among the largest warships in the world. Roosevelt is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
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.
Taylor has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is finishing my two-plus year pipeline, which started with boot camp and included many other schools such as Naval Aircrew Candidate School and paramedic school,” Taylor said.
Taylor serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Being in the Navy means a lot because it allows me to serve my country while also working on myself,” Taylor said.
Taylor is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom and dad for their support when I decided to enlist,” Taylor added. “I would also like to send a special shoutout to my wife for always being there for me throughout my training.”