SAN DIEGO - Fireman Apprentice Gavin Hampton, a native of Abilene, Texas, 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 |
Hampton earned a GED degree from Abilene Adult Education Center in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Abilene.
“I started working with my family at a young age – doing landscaping, raking leaves, mowing, any side job I could do,” Hampton said. “I know how to work, and I have a strong work ethic from doing that growing up. That’s all helped because we work a lot in the Navy. It’s a system where you are rewarded. Hard work pays off, and you get what you give.”
Hampton joined the Navy 10 months ago. Today, Hampton serves as an electrician’s mate.
“Well, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was a big reason behind my decision to join the Navy, but I also wanted to build a future for myself,” Hampton said. “The Navy was quick to get me through the process. I was very motivated to get started. The Navy told me they would get me out within the month. I walked into the recruiter’s office in early April, and I arrived at boot camp on May 6.”
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, 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.”
Hampton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of graduating from ‘A’ school,” Hampton said. “It took a long time. I was at Great Lakes for eight months, most of my career so far. I was really proud of finishing because it took a lot to get through. A lot of people who I started with weren’t there when I finished.”
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.
“Serving in the Navy gives me great opportunities,” Hampton said. “I’ve always heard people say you can’t go wrong joining the military. In the military, they’re gonna put you on the right track, and you can’t beat the discipline. Serving in the military is a great foundation for the rest of your life. I didn’t grow up with a lot in my life, and I wanted to set myself up for a great future.”
Hampton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, dad and sister for all their support,” Hampton said.