PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Fireman Apprentice Jackson King, a native of Stringer, Mississippi, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
King earned a GED diploma in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stringer.
“I learned to have a strong backbone and stand firm even under pressure and to take criticism and not let it hurt my feelings,” said King. “Being in the military, you have to be tough and take instruction, and it’s essential to have a strong mindset.”
King joined the Navy one year ago. Today, King serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I always had a big respect for military members ever since I was a kid, and I always knew I wanted to serve my country in one of the branches,” said King. “Why I chose the Navy is because three of my great-grandfathers served during World War II.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
King has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was able to earn my expert shooter ribbon in boot camp,” said King. “Growing up, I always did target practice and participated in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, so it was cool to see all that practice get me a ribbon in the Navy.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
King earned a GED diploma in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stringer.
“I learned to have a strong backbone and stand firm even under pressure and to take criticism and not let it hurt my feelings,” said King. “Being in the military, you have to be tough and take instruction, and it’s essential to have a strong mindset.”
King joined the Navy one year ago. Today, King serves as a machinist’s mate.
“I always had a big respect for military members ever since I was a kid, and I always knew I wanted to serve my country in one of the branches,” said King. “Why I chose the Navy is because three of my great-grandfathers served during World War II.”
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
King has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was able to earn my expert shooter ribbon in boot camp,” said King. “Growing up, I always did target practice and participated in the 4-H Shooting Sports program, so it was cool to see all that practice get me a ribbon in the Navy.”
As King and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“To me, it means a sacrifice that you purposely go out of your way to take, to protect the ones you love, and to go in place of the one who wants to serve but can’t,” said King. “But most importantly, glorifying God through my actions.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
King is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Jennifer, my dad, Derek, my brothers, Case and Weston, my sister, June, and my girlfriend, Sabrina, for showing their encouragement and love through all of it,” added King. “Their support helps me in my everyday life and pushes me to do better than yesterday.”
King already has set goals for the future.
“I want to work on my warfare qualifications in the future, and I’d like to become a rescue swimmer,” said King.