GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 2nd Class John Reed, a native of Houston, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Battalion 14 in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Reed graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned how to integrate into diverse groups and connect with people from all different walks of life,” Reed said. “My community where I grew up was very diverse, so it taught me how to join in crowds wherever I went, which is especially helpful on a ship where you meet people from all over.”
Reed joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Reed serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to find a sense of purpose and direction for my future,” Reed said. “I had some family members in the Navy, and I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life, so I felt like the Navy would give me a purpose.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Reed has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I found a true sense of purpose in the direct assistance I provided to the people during my 2013 deployment to Afghanistan,” Reed said. “It was an incredible feeling to see the work I was doing have an immediate, positive impact right in front of my face as I helped the local people complete their missions.”
Reed serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to building a stable foundation and a secure future for my growing family,” Reed said. “For me, it means structure and bettering my life. Since my son was born in December, the Navy has provided so many ways for me to provide for him and be the father he needs.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Reed is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am profoundly grateful to my parents, Leti Gallegos and Kevin Reed, and my wife, Ally Reed, for their unwavering commitment to my success,” Reed said. “They have been beyond supportive and there through everything I have been through. More than that, my wife has been there through thick and thin for me, giving me the foundation I needed to join the Navy.”
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Reed graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned how to integrate into diverse groups and connect with people from all different walks of life,” Reed said. “My community where I grew up was very diverse, so it taught me how to join in crowds wherever I went, which is especially helpful on a ship where you meet people from all over.”
Reed joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Reed serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to find a sense of purpose and direction for my future,” Reed said. “I had some family members in the Navy, and I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life, so I felt like the Navy would give me a purpose.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Reed has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I found a true sense of purpose in the direct assistance I provided to the people during my 2013 deployment to Afghanistan,” Reed said. “It was an incredible feeling to see the work I was doing have an immediate, positive impact right in front of my face as I helped the local people complete their missions.”
Reed serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I view my service as a personal commitment to building a stable foundation and a secure future for my growing family,” Reed said. “For me, it means structure and bettering my life. Since my son was born in December, the Navy has provided so many ways for me to provide for him and be the father he needs.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Reed is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I am profoundly grateful to my parents, Leti Gallegos and Kevin Reed, and my wife, Ally Reed, for their unwavering commitment to my success,” Reed said. “They have been beyond supportive and there through everything I have been through. More than that, my wife has been there through thick and thin for me, giving me the foundation I needed to join the Navy.”