SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alyssa Haugh, a native of Chicago, Illinois, 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 |
Haugh graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chicago.
“I think being home and being around people where everyone grew up the same as you, being in the Navy showed me that everyone did not grew up with that background,” Haugh said. “It’s helped me become a more empathetic and more understanding person. Working with people every day, you can’t expect everyone to do something how you see it because they don’t think the way you do.”
Haugh joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Haugh serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I come from a big Navy family,” Haugh said. “From my dad to my siblings to my grandparents, it’s always been in my family. I always thought about joining the Navy growing up. After seeing it and being around it for so long, it interested me. I tried college after high school, but it wasn’t a good fit for me, so I decided to join.”
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.”
Haugh has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Career-wise, I’ve been able to accomplish everything I’ve wanted to, like making rank, but the biggest thing I’m proud of is being a safe place for my sailors to come talk to,” Haugh said. “When I was an airman, I didn’t really feel like I had that, and that’s what I always wanted. Now I’m able to be that. I love being able to help others.”
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 means a lot to me because I’m able to provide everything and more for my son,” Haugh said. “It helps me, and it helps him. It’s been nothing but beneficial to us.”
Haugh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My son is my biggest motivation every single day,” Haugh said. “My mom, Grace, my dad, Michael, and my stepmom, Michelle, are so supportive and they’re always there to help. I’m a single mom, and having them there beside me has helped me progress.”