SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Jarvis Cavett, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, 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 |
Cavett graduated from Cordova High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Memphis.
“I know one thing: playing sports helped me stay physically fit,” Cavett said. “Having good manners, knowing how to treat people and having respect for others, is also helpful. In the Navy, at the end of the day, you have to be able to work for someone and you have to know how to follow orders; on top of that, you have to be fit for duty and meet the standard.”
Cavett joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Cavett serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (fuels).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see something different and travel the world to get those experiences,” Cavett said. “I felt like the Navy was the best branch at the time for me.”
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.
Cavett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of being named Makin Island’s Sailor of the Year in 2022 and Senior Sailor of the Quarter in 2024,” Cavett said. “I came to Makin Island as a petty officer third class in 2020, and I advanced to petty officer first class in 2023. I was put into leadership positions fast. I think winning those awards helps my junior sailors see me in a more positive light and as a good role model and mentor for them. They see that I’m a good guy who works for them and cares for them. For me, it’s always about the other guys and never about me. Without the support of the people under you, you won’t make it far.”
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.
“For me, serving in the Navy means fighting for my country,” Cavett said. “My service means a lot to me at the end of the day, and I want to achieve the highest rank possible.”
Cavett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for always supporting me and pushing me to achieve more,” Cavett said.