SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Jovan Hicks, a native of Yuma, Arizona, 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 |
Hicks graduated from San Pasqual High School in 2005. Additionally, Hicks earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern New Hampshire University in 2026.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Yuma.
“Growing up in Yuma, I learned the value of being exceptional at my occupation by having a strong work ethic, remaining punctual and keeping a professional demeanor,” Hicks said. “It’s simple: be where you need to be, be on time, be in the right uniform and do as you’re told. When you’re given direction, execute that direction. It’s all just professionalism.”
Hicks joined the Navy nearly four years ago. Today, Hicks serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“My grandfather served in the Army, and my father served in the Marines,” Hicks said. “I felt compelled to join the Navy and serve, continuing the family legacy and adding more purpose to my life in the process.”
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.
Hicks has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of when I was awarded Blue Jacket of the Year for the weapons department in 2024,” Hicks said. “I felt pretty proud of myself. I credit being teachable and a good learner for receiving the award. I am proud to be an example of valuing hard work to other junior sailors.”
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 is of great value to me,” Hicks said. “It allows me the opportunity to earn an honest living and provide for my family while serving my country in the process.”
Hicks is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Kenya Hicks, for being the true definition of moral and familial support, my children for displaying unconditional love always, and my mother, Tanya Hicks-Dixon, for being an example of hard work and perseverance,” Hicks said. “I also want to thank the Fort Yuma Reservation and my hometown for the lasting encouragement and strong community support.”