SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Dontravion McAdams, a native of Houston, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
McAdams graduated from Hastings High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“Growing up in Alief, Texas, on the southwest side of Houston, they taught me to have a go-getter attitude and to work hard because nothing in life is easy or free,” McAdams said. “I took these lessons to heart while working as a junior sailor and apply them even today.”
McAdams joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, McAdams serves as a culinary specialist.
“My mother served for 10 years as a master-at-arms in the Navy, from 1994 to 2004,” McAdams said. “She provided for my baby sister, who unfortunately passed right before I joined. They’re both my inspirations.”
Makin Island plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale amphibious assaults.
This ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in littoral (near-shore) environments, providing a versatile platform for achieving strategic objectives across the globe. Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Makin Island’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
McAdams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moments so far have been being the leading petty officer for my division and leading my team through the Capt. Edward F. Ney Award inspection, just as my leadership did with me eight years ago when I was a junior sailor,” McAdams 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.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” McAdams said. “It means I’m able to protect the ones I love and that I’m able to provide financially for myself and family as well.”
McAdams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, LaQuita McAdams-Crawford, for giving me the recruiter’s number and always being my biggest supporter,” McAdams said. “I also want to thank my chain of command and prior mentors for believing in me and pushing me to get here.”
McAdams offered encouragement for anyone considering a path in the military.
“I just want to let everyone know that the military offers you sustainability, education and financial freedom,” McAdams said. “Give it a chance. Whether you do four years or a full 20 (years) like me, you can truly benefit from the service.”