MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Johanna Villa Avila, a native of Tucson, Arizona, serving aboard USS Nantucket, will take part in a visit to Nantucket, Massachusetts, the ship’s namesake island, from Aug. 6-10.
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During the visit, sailors will strengthen relationships with the local community by participating in a variety of community relations events. Some of the events will include visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Sailors are also scheduled to take a historical walking tour of the island, participate in a beach clean up and visit Nantucket VFW Post 8608.
Villa Avila graduated from Amphitheater High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tucson.
“My family always taught me that being kind and helpful will always earn you respect from those around you,” Villa Avila said. “Being a team player and being willing to help those around you will always come back around to you. If you’re kind to those around you, you’ll never hate the environment you are in.”
Villa Avila joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I’ve always wanted to be in some type of law enforcement field,” Villa Avila said. “I always wanted to be part of something bigger, to be able to be an inspiration for my family and those after me who have the same dream. To give people a sense of security when you’re around because they know you care.”
Today, Villa Avila serves as a quartermaster.
“I absolutely love being a quartermaster, and being able to be trusted to guide the ship and be the road map for our destination,” Villa Avila said. “Being trusted and having the capability to make sure the ship is safe for navigation means a lot to me. Charting with the actual stars and using the sun to identify where you are in the world -- it really makes you feel so small compared to the world, but it’s also such an amazing feeling just knowing that I have that ability.”
USS Nantucket is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake, dating back to 1863 when the first USS Nantucket, a Passaic-class single-turret monitor, was commissioned. The Passaic-class Nantucket supported the U.S. Navy’s South Atlantic Blockade and played a critical role during the Civil War. Manned by a crew of 86 officers and enlisted sailors, the newest USS Nantucket was commissioned in 2024 in Boston.
A littoral combat ship, USS Nantucket is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.
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Rear Adm. Joe Cahill, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, presents an award to Quartermaster 3rd Class Johanna Villa-Avila during a scheduled visit to Naval Station Mayport in April 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Daniel De Jesus) |
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.
Villa Avila has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was extremely shocked when I was presented with my very first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal by Rear Adm. Joe Cahill, commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic, himself,” Villa Avila said. “I really could have never expected that. But my real proudest moments while serving will always be seeing my junior sailors receive recognition and ’great jobs’ for the work and achievements that they have accomplished. The fruit of those you’ve taught and helped will always be the greatest demonstration of validation.”
Villa Avila serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means you’re part of a team,” Villa Avila said. “A team that protects, a team that exceeds, a team that cares for the safety of everyone involved, a team that is strong and intelligent and to protect the people. It means to strive for peace and always bring hope. It means to be part of something bigger than yourself, but for those you love.”
Villa Avila is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
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. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/