SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Smith, a native of Lancaster, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Smith graduated from Quartz Hill High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lancaster.
“Growing up in my hometown, I worked many jobs that taught me you need to have a good work ethic in order to succeed in life,” Smith said. “It also taught me to apply myself every day no matter the task that I am tackling.”
Smith joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Smith serves as an aviation ordnanceman (AO).
“I joined the Navy to prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to,” Smith said. “I also wanted to provide stability and leadership skills in my life and for my family both for the present and the future.”
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.
Carl Vinson returned in August 2025 from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, during which it conducted freedom of navigation operations, multinational exercises with U.S. allies and partners, and combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Back in its homeport of San Diego, Carl Vinson remains a combat-ready force dedicated to protecting and defending the United States.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Carl Vinson 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 might of this ship doesn’t just come from its advanced technology, but from the skillful, resilient and courageous men and women who serve aboard,” said Capt. Joshua Wenker, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. “Our sailors have always been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Their hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that we execute the mission aboard America’s Favorite Carrier with pride and precision every single day.”
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“During ‘A’ school, I was top of my graduating class and earned a promotion from E-3 to E-4,” Smith said. “I also progressed on my evaluation from "P" to "EP" and eventually won the title of Junior Sailor of the Quarter for my department.”
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.
“I enjoy being able to train others and observe as they progress and succeed in advancing their careers,” Smith said. “It gives me a sense of pride that I am able to serve my country and protect my loved ones that are safe back home.”
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank both of my parents as well as my AO leadership,” Smith said. “My parents have been there for me and an inspiration for joining the Navy, especially my father, who was former military. My AO leadership, Chief Kittles, AO1 Halcomb and Blackmon, have trained me to be my best self and I will continue to grow in this establishment.”
Smith reflects on future aspirations with the Navy.
“I am looking to continue to serve for more than 20 years and retire from active duty in the future. I would like to eventually commission as an officer through the different programs the Navy has to offer,” Smith said. “I am also looking at different programs within the Navy to help me earn my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.”
“I am looking to continue to serve for more than 20 years and retire from active duty in the future. I would like to eventually commission as an officer through the different programs the Navy has to offer,” Smith said. “I am also looking at different programs within the Navy to help me earn my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.”