SAN DIEGO - Airman Apprentice Gevin Moore, a native of Tacoma, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Moore graduated from Washington Virtual Academies at Omak in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tacoma.
“The lessons I learned from my hometown that I have applied to my Navy career are learning to lead by example, show up with your best attitude, work and lead as if you’re being watched 24/7,” Moore said.
Moore joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Moore serves as an undesignated sailor in the Airman Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (A/PACT) program.
“What inspired me to join the Navy was my desire to travel the world and be in leadership, which was all led ultimately by my faith,” Moore said. “I started off in Air Force Junior ROTC because I was going to join the Air Force. I was a year into the process when they said I was disqualified for medical reasons. I kept my faith in God and kept looking at my options because closed doors make room for open doors. A family member told me that sailors in the Navy travel often. I talked to a recruiter and went through boot camp.”
Moore enjoys being in the A/PACT program, which allows sailors to receive on-the-job training before choosing their job, but hopes to be a leader in the future.
“Now that I’m here, I see everything I can do, and I see the officers and that’s where I want to be,” Moore said. “Not just to be an officer, but to lead and to push other sailors to be their best and leave an impact on others. Now that I have that mindset, I’m making moves to achieve my goals by keeping a positive mindset, studying and working hard. God turned it all around for me.”
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.
Carl Vinson returned in August 2025 from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations, during which it conducted freedom of navigation operations, multinational exercises with U.S. allies and partners, and combat operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Back in its homeport of San Diego, Carl Vinson remains a combat-ready force dedicated to protecting and defending the United States.
Among the largest warships in the world, Carl Vinson 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.
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.
“The might of this ship doesn’t just come from its advanced technology, but from the skillful, resilient and courageous men and women who serve aboard,” said Capt. Joshua Wenker, commanding officer of Carl Vinson. “Our sailors have always been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Their hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that we execute the mission aboard America’s Favorite Carrier with pride and precision every single day.”
Moore has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of being used as an example to other new sailors to inspire them to not just work more efficiently but also more effectively,” Moore said. “Recently, I was called out in front of the group while I was working on my qualifications, and they pointed out how, even though I haven’t been in very long, I already have all of these qualifications. By wanting to get up there, I’m showing other sailors what it takes to get there and encouraging them. If you’re passionate about what you want, you have to do what it takes to get there.”
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 protecting our country while also helping, leading and guiding my shipmates to be the best at what they do,” Moore said. “For me, it’s also leading by example and reminding other sailors what we fight for and who we fight for.”
Moore is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank God for pushing me to step out in faith and join the Navy,” Moore said. “I have learned so much, and I would’ve never been here if it weren’t for God giving me the push to join.”
Moore is staying goal-oriented and wants to be an inspiration to others.
“I don’t just want to serve, I want to have an impact that others, sailors and other military personnel, can see where I started and how I finished,” Moore said. “When I’m done, I want people to be inspired and see that if you want to spark a change, not just to those around you but to those around the nation, you must work toward making the vision you have a reality.”