MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Chavasha Julian, a native of Bakersfield, California, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), the Navy’s first unmanned patrol and reconnaissance squadron.
Julian graduated from South High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bakersfield.
“Growing up in Bakersfield, I learned to go with the flow and always expect the unexpected,” Julian said. “Those lessons have translated perfectly to the Navy.”
Julian joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Julian serves as a personnel specialist.
“I joined the Navy to start my own journey,” Julian said. “I wanted to be proactive in how my life is going to play out, and it turns out it's been a good choice.”
Members of VUP-19 support the “Big Red” mission, a historical nod to the command's role in the Korean War. In 1951, during night interdiction missions, the squadron would drop red night illumination flares to support allied air and ground units.
Today, more than 500 Sailors serve at VUP-19. Members of the squadron maintain and launch the MQ-4C Triton aircraft to provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, distributing valuable and time-critical intelligence to combatant and fleet commanders.
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.
Julian has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being a mentor to my junior sailors both in the administrative space and within the maintenance community,” Julian said.
Julian 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 stability to me,” Julian said. “I can live a fulfilling life while serving my country and not worry about finances.”
Julian is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family and my teachers from South High School for encouraging me to look for options outside of going to college,” Julian added.
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/