Petty Officer 2nd Class Jeffrey Reynolds, a native of Seattle, Washington, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Reynolds, a 2011 graduate of Aviation High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I wanted to build a stable career, start a family and leave my comfort zone,” said Reynolds.
Today, Reynolds relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Seattle to succeed in the military.
“The open-mindedness and resilience learned from working in my previous civilian job as a picture framer helped me be creative with good attention to detail,” said Reynolds.
These lessons have helped Reynolds while serving in the Navy.
Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jason Dunham. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90 percent 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 mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Reynolds is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“A U.S. Navy warship projects deterrence and sea power with its professional presence around the world,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Making petty officer second class quickly was an achievement,” said Reynolds. “For electronics technicians, it’s challenging to make second class in only three years.”
As Reynolds has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud I could make the choice that others couldn’t in sacrificing for the sake of others,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m thankful for my parents, Kaylen and Steve Reynolds,” said Reynolds. “They’ve been the biggest supporters of me serving in the Navy.”
Reynolds wants to continue his career in the Navy and help others.
“I would like to be promoted to chief petty officer within the next six years,” added Reynolds. “I want to lead and mentor junior sailors.”
