SEAMAN Lerou Smith, a native of Ocho Rios, serves the US Navy assigned to USS Carl Vinson, a US Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.

“Growing up in a big family in a small home with a single mother struggling to send us to school, and not being able to graduate high school, really inspired me to join the navy and help my family out so we could have a better life,” Smith shared.

Smith joined the navy one year ago. Today, he serves as a logistics specialist.

“I joined the navy because I was inspired by my early childhood and the challenges I faced along the way,” he added.

Aircraft carriers are the centrepiece 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.

Among the largest warships in the world, USS Carl Vinson is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.

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 oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.

“The might of this ship doesn’t just come from its advanced technology, but from the skilful, resilient and courageous men and women who serve aboard,” said Captain Joshua Wenker, commanding officer of the
USS Carl Vinson. “Our sailors have always been, and will always be, our greatest asset. Their hard work, dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that we execute the mission aboard America’s favourite carrier with pride and precision every single day.”

Smith has had many opportunities for accomplishments during military service.

“The accomplishment I’m most proud of is to be awarded the Outstanding Performance ribbon at boot camp,” Smith said. “I am proud of it because I came in at the age of 41, and I know to compete against the younger version of me would be very difficult. Even though the requirement was less than that of my fellow recruits, I still set the bar from the top, and I’m also proud of helping my fellow sailors to overcome the pressure associated with boot camp.

“Serving in the navy means a lot to me,” Smith added. “As a responsible, respectful man, and a father, it has helped me to give me and my family a more secure and stable lifestyle.”

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

“I would like to thank my mother, Phyllis Robinson, who passed away on January 27, 2026,” Smith said. “She was my biggest motivator, along with my lovely wife, Lydia Segree, and my two beautiful daughters, ChrisAnn Smith and LeeHanna Smith.”