SAN DIEGO - Lt. Jimi Liddell Gayden, a native of East Saint Louis, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 1, operating out of Naval Base San Diego.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Diamond Kyles |
Liddell Gayden graduated from East Saint Louis Senior High School in 1996. Additionally, Liddell Gayden earned a bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies from American Military University in 2010.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work and goal-setting,” Liddell Gayden said. "In the Navy, focusing on the end goal, identifying milestones and ensuring you are doing all the things you need to do ensures mission accomplishment.”
Liddell Gayden joined the Navy two years ago. Liddell Gayden also served in the Marine Corps for 28 years before joining the Navy.
“I originally joined the Marine Corps to go to college,” Liddell Gayden said. “I joined the Navy 28 years later because God called me to the ministry.”
Today, Liddell Gayden serves as a chaplain.
The mission of LCSRON 1 is to oversee training, maintenance, manning and certification of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) crews and ships to provide combatant commanders with flexible, agile and lethal assets able to operate effectively in the littoral environment.
LCSs are designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. The ships can function independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers.
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/
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.
Liddell Gayden has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a Navy chaplain because it took about 20 years of work to get here,” Liddell Gayden said. "Being able to serve in this capacity is one of my greatest joys because I feel like I am able to fulfill a greater purpose.”
Liddell Gayden 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 answering the call to give back service members and their family members,” Liddell Gayden said. “I want to support their spiritual readiness and help them deal with the challenges of military life.”
Liddell Gayden is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Patricia, for inspiring me to work hard and to follow God,” Liddell Gayden added. “I also want to thank my wife, Rachel, for reminding me to always focus on the people, and to lead with empathy and compassion.”