LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Holley, this story has ties to Harlem, New York, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“I played basketball in high school and enjoyed being part of a team and having others depend on me,” Holley said. “We worked hard and trained every day to be the best we could be and I am proud to say we won the AAU (American Athletic Union) championship two years in a row.”
Holley graduated from Lake Taylor High School in 2021.
Holley joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy to set myself up for success and start a career I knew would help provide not only for myself but also my family,” Holley said. “I wanted to get out of my hometown and see the world and all that it had to offer.”
Today, Holley serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
Carrier strike groups, and the embarked aviation squadrons, are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch Sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our Allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises, and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and 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.
Holley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to say that I have learned so many skills so early in my career,” Holley said. “While I have only been in the Navy for three years I have been promoted to petty officer 3rd class and have earned so many qualifications that help me stand out at my command.”
Holley serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
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. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
“I get up and go to work every day to protect not only my family but every American family,” Holley said. “I understand I may be sacrificing my time but I know it is for the greater good and it is an honor to do so. I keep others safe at night.”
Holley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Mychelle and my brother, Christian for always being by my side and always supporting me no matter where the Navy takes me,” Holley said.