Petty Officer 3rd Class Henry Johnson, the son of Encinitas residents, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps,” Johnson said. “I was raised to believe this is the greatest country in the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the world’s greatest nation.”
Today, Johnson serves as an interior communications electrician.
“As an IC man, my favorite part of my job is troubleshooting our alarms and warning systems, as they’re critical to the ship’s safety,” Johnson said.
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 on the world’s ocean. 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. One year later six of them, known as The First Six, earned their Wings of Gold. 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 is 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.
“Our Navy is vital to our nation’s defense,” Johnson said. “We are always ready to respond in force to any threat that could threaten our freedoms and way of life.”
Johnson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy so far has been taking care of my fellow sailors,” Johnson said. “This is a tough life but an honest smile and ‘How are you doing today?’ can go a long way in terms of morals.”
As Johnson and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means that when I’m laying on my death bed, I will have known that I lived a life greater than myself, and without asking if I had an impact while I was here,” Johnson said.
Johnson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I just want to thank my wife, Savannah, and my daughter, Elliana, for always supporting me and my dreams,” added Johnson added. “I love you both and can’t wait to see you again soon.”
— By Rick Burke,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
OsideNews and North Coast Current offer military outreach offices the opportunity to share news about local service members by submitting press releases for publication. They can be sent to osidenews[at]northcoastcurrent.com.
