SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonas Peterson, whose grandmother is a resident of Knoxville, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Makin Island, an amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Peterson’s grandmother has been a source of support for the sailor.
“I want to thank my grandma, Julie,” Peterson said. “She’s always down to listen to me, and I know I can always vent to her.”
Peterson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Peterson serves as an information systems technician.
“I wanted to explore and do something with my life,” Peterson said. “My dad told me to join the Navy. My uncle was in the Navy, and two of my cousins were in the Navy.”
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.
Peterson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing early, earning awards for completing my cyber certifications and being able to meet new people,” Peterson said. “All of that has been very rewarding.”
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 being able to keep my little sisters protected at home,” Peterson said. “It also means ensuring American citizens can go about their day-to-day lives without worrying about being harmed and can speak their minds freely.”
Peterson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Jonas, and my stepmom, Angie, because I wouldn’t be here without them,” Peterson said. “They pushed me to do good in school, encouraged me to achieve my goals and brought me up when I was down. I really love them.”