GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Walker, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Battalion Fourteen in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Walker graduated from Lakeland High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Suffolk.
“Growing up in my hometown instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Walker said.
Walker joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Walker serves as an electronics technician.
“I did not want to go to college, and the Navy seemed like a good choice,” Walker said. “One of my friends in high school had a father who was in the Navy, and that friend was planning to go into the Navy. So, I talked with him and decided it would be something I might be interested in.”
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.
Walker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud to serve aboard USS Cole from 2013 to 2017,” Walker said. “It was an honor serving aboard this ship that survived a bombing in October 2000.”
Walker 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 gives me a chance to better myself and provide for my family,” Walker said.
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.
Walker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Victoria, my daughter, Kamryn, and my son, Kaiden, for their support,” Walker said. “I also want to thank my dad, Andrew, my mom, Pauline, my brother, Cedric, and my sister, Shondesha.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Walker graduated from Lakeland High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Suffolk.
“Growing up in my hometown instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Walker said.
Walker joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Walker serves as an electronics technician.
“I did not want to go to college, and the Navy seemed like a good choice,” Walker said. “One of my friends in high school had a father who was in the Navy, and that friend was planning to go into the Navy. So, I talked with him and decided it would be something I might be interested in.”
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.
Walker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud to serve aboard USS Cole from 2013 to 2017,” Walker said. “It was an honor serving aboard this ship that survived a bombing in October 2000.”
Walker 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 gives me a chance to better myself and provide for my family,” Walker said.
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.
Walker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Victoria, my daughter, Kamryn, and my son, Kaiden, for their support,” Walker said. “I also want to thank my dad, Andrew, my mom, Pauline, my brother, Cedric, and my sister, Shondesha.”