MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel De Jesus, a native of Rochester, New York, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Station Mayport in Florida.
De Jesus graduated from Aurora Central High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rochester.
“I moved a lot growing up, and that made me versatile,” De Jesus said. “That's a great trait to have in the military when you have to go on deployments and relocate every few years.”
De Jesus joined the Navy six and a half years ago. Today, De Jesus serves as an air traffic controller.
“I joined the Navy as a stepping stone to put myself in a better position,” De Jesus said.
Naval Station Mayport is one of the largest naval ports on the East Coast. It has a harbor capable of accommodating 34 ships and an 8,000-foot runway able to support any type of aircraft in the Department of War inventory. The base also serves as the headquarters for the 4th Fleet, which oversees U.S. Naval operations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
The mission of Naval Station Mayport is to "Sustain and Enhance Warfighter Readiness", providing the "Finest service to the Finest fleet".
“Our Sailors are the backbone of everything we do,” said Capt. Mike Trumbull, commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport. “Their dedication, resilience, and readiness ensure our Fleet remains continuously mission-capable. At Naval Station Mayport, mission readiness starts with taking care of our people. Every service we provide, from housing to quality-of-life programs, supports that critical effort.”
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.
De Jesus has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making petty officer 1st class within five years, buying two homes and starting my own company that brings creatives together for meaningful collaborations and intentional networking,” De Jesus said. “Making E-6 was a huge accomplishment because I pushed myself really hard and was promoted within five years. I did everything the Navy asked, took extra collateral duties, and exceeded the number of qualifications I needed. It also allowed me to be in a leadership role. I’m proud of buying two homes as well because that was a personal goal I always wanted to achieve, and because of my military benefits, I was able to accomplish it. Lastly, I’m proud of starting my own company because it allows me to create a space for artists to come together and develop relationships.”
De Jesus 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 helps me grow as an individual because I’m able to meet new people, experience different countries and influence people,” De Jesus said.
De Jesus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for always being on my side,” De Jesus added. “Especially on rough days, she is always a phone call away. She is very influential in keeping me present and keeping my mind on moving forward. I also have to thank Chief Air Traffic Controller Christopher Reinhard, Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Jay Reed and Chief Air Traffic Controller Angelina Springs for helping guide my career and for developing me into the sailor I am today. Figuring out how Sailors are as individuals is important to their growth and all three of them were able to do that for me.”
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/
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rion Codrington |
De Jesus graduated from Aurora Central High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rochester.
“I moved a lot growing up, and that made me versatile,” De Jesus said. “That's a great trait to have in the military when you have to go on deployments and relocate every few years.”
De Jesus joined the Navy six and a half years ago. Today, De Jesus serves as an air traffic controller.
“I joined the Navy as a stepping stone to put myself in a better position,” De Jesus said.
Naval Station Mayport is one of the largest naval ports on the East Coast. It has a harbor capable of accommodating 34 ships and an 8,000-foot runway able to support any type of aircraft in the Department of War inventory. The base also serves as the headquarters for the 4th Fleet, which oversees U.S. Naval operations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
The mission of Naval Station Mayport is to "Sustain and Enhance Warfighter Readiness", providing the "Finest service to the Finest fleet".
“Our Sailors are the backbone of everything we do,” said Capt. Mike Trumbull, commanding officer of Naval Station Mayport. “Their dedication, resilience, and readiness ensure our Fleet remains continuously mission-capable. At Naval Station Mayport, mission readiness starts with taking care of our people. Every service we provide, from housing to quality-of-life programs, supports that critical effort.”
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.
De Jesus has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making petty officer 1st class within five years, buying two homes and starting my own company that brings creatives together for meaningful collaborations and intentional networking,” De Jesus said. “Making E-6 was a huge accomplishment because I pushed myself really hard and was promoted within five years. I did everything the Navy asked, took extra collateral duties, and exceeded the number of qualifications I needed. It also allowed me to be in a leadership role. I’m proud of buying two homes as well because that was a personal goal I always wanted to achieve, and because of my military benefits, I was able to accomplish it. Lastly, I’m proud of starting my own company because it allows me to create a space for artists to come together and develop relationships.”
De Jesus 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 helps me grow as an individual because I’m able to meet new people, experience different countries and influence people,” De Jesus said.
De Jesus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for always being on my side,” De Jesus added. “Especially on rough days, she is always a phone call away. She is very influential in keeping me present and keeping my mind on moving forward. I also have to thank Chief Air Traffic Controller Christopher Reinhard, Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Jay Reed and Chief Air Traffic Controller Angelina Springs for helping guide my career and for developing me into the sailor I am today. Figuring out how Sailors are as individuals is important to their growth and all three of them were able to do that for me.”
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/