Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Airman Jeremiah Davis, a native of San Bernardino, California, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Davis, a 2019 graduate of Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined for the opportunities in education and to travel, as well as to have a fresh start,” said Davis.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Bernardino.
“I learned to stay humble, stay true, always be open to learning something new and keep God first,” said Davis.
Today, Davis serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment) responsible for the launching and recovery of aircraft.
“I’ve assisted in over 200 maintenance and zone inspections with my job and in supply,” said Davis. “I’ve also assisted in providing over 12,000 meals with the culinary specialists to service the crew. The thing I like best about my job is that I get to work and form bonds with amazing people from all over the world.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere in the world. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility, and the combat capability of its air wing.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold” one year later. Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy are stronger because of their service.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
As a member of the Navy, Davis is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national defense by showing our allies we are capable of defending them, and showing our adversaries that we won’t go down easy,” said Davis.
Davis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of the positive impact I have on other sailors in helping them achieve their goals,” said Davis.
As Davis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the chance to better myself while protecting the people I love,” added Davis.
