NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Haskin, a native of Joliet, Illinois, serves aboard USS George H.W. Bush, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Haskin graduated from Joliet Central High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Joliet.
“I learned early on to be open-minded and that I wanted to branch out and explore the rest of the world,” Haskin said. "So many people in Joliet just stay there for their entire lives, but I wanted more."
Haskin joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Haskin serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to gain independence and to jump-start my career,” Haskin said. "I initially went to college after high school, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. The Navy gave me the time to figure that out and provided lots of resources for accomplishing educational goals."
Commissioned in 2009, the aircraft carrier is named for George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States and a former naval aviator. The ship was the first aircraft carrier to have its namesake participate in its christening.
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. Bush 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.
Haskin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for winning the Carrier Strike Group 10 Blue Jacket of the Year,” Haskin said. "I feel I am really good at my job and holding myself to the standards of the Navy."
Haskin 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 can give back to the country and not only travel the world, but defend our country while we are there,” Haskin said. "I have a lot of pride in putting on this uniform every day. I enjoy coming to work every day, helping people, and giving back whenever I can."
Haskin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Aunt Keisha for pushing me to join the military,” Haskin added. "She wanted me to join the Air Force, but I chose the Navy, and she has supported me every step of the way. I can't thank her enough."
Haskin plans to make a career out of serving in the Navy.
“I learned early on to be open-minded and that I wanted to branch out and explore the rest of the world,” Haskin said. "So many people in Joliet just stay there for their entire lives, but I wanted more."
Haskin joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Haskin serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to gain independence and to jump-start my career,” Haskin said. "I initially went to college after high school, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. The Navy gave me the time to figure that out and provided lots of resources for accomplishing educational goals."
Commissioned in 2009, the aircraft carrier is named for George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States and a former naval aviator. The ship was the first aircraft carrier to have its namesake participate in its christening.
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. Bush 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.
Haskin has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for winning the Carrier Strike Group 10 Blue Jacket of the Year,” Haskin said. "I feel I am really good at my job and holding myself to the standards of the Navy."
Haskin 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 can give back to the country and not only travel the world, but defend our country while we are there,” Haskin said. "I have a lot of pride in putting on this uniform every day. I enjoy coming to work every day, helping people, and giving back whenever I can."
Haskin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my Aunt Keisha for pushing me to join the military,” Haskin added. "She wanted me to join the Air Force, but I chose the Navy, and she has supported me every step of the way. I can't thank her enough."
Haskin plans to make a career out of serving in the Navy.
“I see myself serving at least 20 years and retiring,” Haskin said. "I have found something I enjoy doing, and I want to continue this journey as long as I can."