PETTY Officer 3rd Class Dajaleigh Mitchell, a sailor from Port Morant, Jamaica, serves the US Navy, assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore (NAS) in Lemoore, California.

Mitchell joined the Navy three years ago. Today, she serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something that would benefit me and my family,” said Mitchell. “Before I left Jamaica, I was living with my family. I just wanted to try something new that would benefit me.”

Growing up in Port Morant, Mitchell attended Happy Grove High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Mitchell relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jamaica to succeed in the military.

“My hometown instilled a work ethic and sense of humility in me,” said Mitchell. “Most people from my hometown come from humble beginnings. That upbringing has helped me maintain a consistent drive.”

These lessons have helped Mitchell while serving with NAS Lemoore. NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the US 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.

With 90 per cent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasise 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 Admiral Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

Serving in the Navy means Mitchell is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernising capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the defence strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defence by being there for countries and nations that do not have that much security power,” said Mitchell. “We have a presence that deters adversaries from taking advantage of smaller countries.”

Mitchell and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am proud of all the recognition I have received,” said Mitchell. “I got a job that I am passionate about and was advanced in rank. Additionally, I also received the command award “Ace of Spades” twice in an eight-month span.”

As Mitchell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving. “Service is an opportunity to see and explore other parts of the world and the cultures that inhabit them,” added Mitchell. “I love serving because it enables me to give more freedom to my family.”

— Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach.