SEAMAN Carlinton Smith, from Black River, St Elizabeth, serves with the United States Navy Medicine at Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC), where he supports operational readiness as a logistics specialist.

“Growing up, my work ethic was deeply influenced by the values and beliefs instilled in me by my parents,” Smith said. “From a young age, I was taught that hard work always pays off in the end, a lesson that has shaped my approach to life and responsibilities. Our family and community emphasised the importance of perseverance, dedication, and effort, reinforcing the idea that success is a direct result of consistent labour and commitment. My mother often rewarded perseverance and hard work, which taught me that effort not only benefits oneself, but that it also honours the principles of integrity and responsibility. My work ethic growing up was rooted in the belief that effort leads to growth, success, and fulfilment. These lessons continue to influence my attitude toward work today.”

Smith is a graduate of Lewisville High School and Post University, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a major in industrial organisation; and a master’s degree in executive leadership from Liberty University in 2026. He has been serving in the Navy for 14 months.

“I joined the military so I can set a positive example for my children, especially my son, who has expressed a desire to serve,” Smith said. “It is important to my family tradition of leading by example and doing the things we hope our children will choose to do. In my family, we believe that standards should be role modelled, something I believe this generation will greatly benefit from. The second reason I joined was the Navy provides affordable health care benefits for my family.”

Headed by Capt Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the fleet, fleet marine force, and joint forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the joint force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.

According to Navy officials, Navy Medical Readiness Logistics Command provides global logistics support to Navy Medicine, ensuring medical forces and facilities are supplied, equipped and ready to support operational commanders.

With 90 per cent of global commerce travelling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fibre-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasise that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Smith has had many opportunities to achieve success during his military service.

“My proudest accomplishments are my ability and dedication to serve alongside great men and women in the military,” Smith said. “Being part of this esteemed organisation has been an honour and a profound source of pride, as it embodies the values of an unwavering commitment to justice. Secondly, completing my master’s degree while serving, and being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal are just two of the things I am proud of and hold close to my heart. My hard work with perseverance and commitment to doing the very thing I love to do has paid off, and I am very proud of myself.”

He added: “Serving in the Navy means everything to me. It is fair to say that I am an advocate for freedom and discipline. The work we do is vital; it helps create a safer environment where individuals can live without fear and enjoy the freedom that it has to offer. Knowing that my actions behind the scenes have played a role in defending lives and promoting liberty fills me with immense pride and reinforces my dedication to this noble cause. I get to do the very thing I love and enjoy doing, and at the same time develop knowledge that will last me a lifetime.”

Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“My thanks go out to everyone who has helped mould me into the man that I have become,” Smith said. “My parents, Novelette and Clinton Smith; my two sisters, Tashawana and Shaun, my motivators; my son Kylon and my two daughters, Shaniya and Carlita; and especially my wife, Lori Ann. Last but not least, to my entire church community, and church mothers, just to name a few. Mrs Advera McIntosh, who was my early childhood educator, and her late sister, Mrs Vera Monteith, back home in Forest Mountain, St Elizabeth. As the phrase goes, ‘It takes a village to properly raise a child.’ There are so many of you, to my entire family, thank you.”