SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Gerron Randle Jr., 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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Rollo, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Randle graduated from Willowridge High School in 2010. Additionally, Randle is working toward a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance from Western Governors University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“H-Town is full of hustlers,” Randle said. “The work ethic across the board is practically the same within my city and state. You work hard and reap the benefits. Growing up, I learned dedication, consistency, and working smarter, not harder, with intent will lead you to places where you can achieve any goal. This has allowed me to have a mindset that keeps me going. Even if things aren’t going the direction I want them to, I know things will work out eventually.”
Randle joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Randle serves as a culinary specialist.
“I wanted to be a chef,” Randle said. “As a child growing up in Houston, Texas, I was submerged in a multicultural environment. So I’ve always known and explored various cultures and food choices. This piqued my interest and from here I would watch loads of Food Network shows like Anthony Bourdain, ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.’ This gave me the idea to be a chef who travels the world to learn from first-hand experience. What better way than to join the Navy?”
Serving in the Navy has taken Randle around the world, and so far, the culinary specialist’s favorite places for food have been Singapore and Japan.
“There was one specific place in Singapore that blew my mind, JINJJA Chicken, a Korean restaurant,” Randle said. “Best chicken I’ve had in my whole life. In Japan, everything they have is amazing, from the vending machines on the streets to the 7-Eleven stores to the restaurants. The quality and care they put into everything is A-1. When you go to a restaurant, if you see a picture with a food item on it, your food will look like that picture when they bring it to you.”
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.
Randle has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of the continued education I’ve received in the Navy,” Randle said. “From getting my degree, to my Lean Six Sigma certifications, and my culinary and various other certifications I’ve received in the Navy, all of these are a reflection of everything I’ve done. Most of the certifications I’ve received are applicable in the civilian world. I’m also proud of the five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals I’ve received. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve done. When I look back, later on down the road, I’ll be able to see that I’ve accomplished something. It gives me a sense of comfort.”
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, to me, means leading by example and serving the nation to protect the people I love,” Randle said. “I come from a town and an area in Houston where things aren’t always so great – Sunnyside. This place has shaped my view of the world and how I wanted to expand it outside that block.”
Randle is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Jacoya Randle, who also served in the Navy; my mother, Keron Randle; my father, Gerron Randle; my sisters, Bri-Anna and Tylyn Randle; and my brothers and all my cousins,” Randle said. “Without the support, guidance, patience and love of these people, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Randle is also grateful for the opportunities the Navy has provided over the years and the benefits for his future, both of which have made a lasting impact on his life.
“The Navy has been a stepping stone in my life that has opened up doors to many opportunities that I’m glad I was able to experience,” Randle said. “I met the woman of my dreams here, and we have a thriving, healthy family. I want or need nothing. And to top it off, once I complete my 20-year service, I’ll be left with a retirement check that comes once a month, resources to continue in life with whatever direction I so choose, and benefits that extend to my entire family.”