SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Harrington, a native of Poplar, Montana, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Harrington graduated from Poplar High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Poplar.
“Growing up, I learned that you can do a lot just by having a good work ethic, showing up to work on time and doing what you’re told,” Harrington said. “Lessons like that have helped me stay out of trouble.”
Harrington joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Harrington serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I wanted to travel to see the world and have more opportunities,” Harrington said. “I didn’t want to join for the longest time. My dad was in the Navy, and he kind of put the idea in my head. He would always ask me if I’d ever thought about the military.”
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, 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.
Harrington has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of everything I’ve done,” Harrington said. “Coming from a small town, people don’t make it out, but I was able to join the Navy and do what I wanted to do. It’s helped me get a good start for the rest of my life.”
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 means a lot to me because of all the friends I’ve made and the stuff I’ve been able to do,” Harrington said.
Harrington is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad for supporting me all through this,” Harrington said. “I also want to thank my friends back home for their support and for pushing me to do it.”