By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Kekona graduated from Kentridge High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tacoma.
“I learned growing up the importance of a strong work ethic, and that attitude determines how easy the day goes,” Kekona said.
Kekona joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Kekona serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (launching and recovery equipment).
“I joined the Navy to better myself and to continue my education,” Kekona said.
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.
Kekona has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that I’ve learned how the flight deck works and operates,” Kekona said.
Kekona 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 that I get to show my family how far I’ve come,” Kekona said. “This proves that they did a good job raising me.”
Kekona is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, mom, brother and my four sisters,” Kekona added. “I also want to send a shoutout to my cousins, Lind and Jeremiah, for their continued love and support throughout my journey.”