SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Craig, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, 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 |
Craig graduated from Parkwood High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Charlotte.
“I learned how to interact and work with different types of people with different types of backgrounds,” Craig said. “The Navy is a melting pot for different types of personalities, and knowing I'm able to become a leader for those sailors.”
Craig joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Craig serves as an interior communications electrician.
“What inspired me to join was wanting to be an Olympic gold medalist for the Navy and becoming a wrestler while being able to travel,” Craig said. “And I want to be an electrician to make good money and have a career when I get out.”
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.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Theodore Roosevelt 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.
“This aircraft carrier is one of the most powerful warships in the world, but it is our sailors that give the U.S. Navy our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “For over 250 years, sailors have built the foundation of our readiness and resolve, enabled us to keep America safe and ensured the U.S. Navy remains the strongest and most capable maritime force in the world.”
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.
Craig has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are being the first third class petty officer on the Nimitz to earn three warfare qualifications, the first second class petty officer on the Nimitz to complete their Officer of the Deck Qualification, becoming vice president then president of the First Class Petty Officer Association organization, being the highest placing wrestler in 12 years, All-Navy wrestling team captain eight times, and 2025 National Champion Greco Roman Wrestler,” Craig said. “Being elected president by my peers shows me that they believe in me and put their absolute trust in me.”
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.
“The Navy is a melting pot, and a unique way to experience travel, which are all meaningful to me,” Craig said. “I want to inspire others who are looking into the military to join.”
Craig is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Commander Vanessa Jansen, Interior Communications Electrician Master Chief Ryan Bucci, Rear Admiral William Bryne, my aunts, my uncles, and my parents, Debbie Gaither and Richard Craig,” Craig said. “They've all helped me in their own way, pushing and supporting me throughout the journey of my Navy career.”