EVERY sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Senior Chief Petty Officer Amani Brown, this story has ties to Jamaica, where skills and values learnt there are foundational to success in the United States (US) Navy.

Brown was born in Port Antonio and lived in Drapers until age 11, when he moved to the United States. His family settled in Euclid, Ohio.

“My instructors from Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in high school really encouraged me and gave me the voice I needed to be more confident in myself,” Brown said. “They gave me the confidence to know that I could put my mind toward achieving things. It showed me that, from my perspective as someone from humble beginnings who came from a foreign country, you can still dream big. Because I wanted to be a pilot as a child, that desire gave me direction and propelled me to try things and to succeed. If you aim for the stars, you never know what you’ll achieve on the way up.”

Brown graduated from Euclid High School in 2001, and finished as the Navy Junior ROTC’s cadet executive officer.

He joined the Navy nearly 25 years ago.

“To be honest, I joined the Navy because I enjoyed being in Navy JROTC,” he said. “I got accepted to a flight school in Oklahoma, but when they sent me the bill, I knew I needed to try something different. I didn’t want to be a burden on my family, so I started looking at the Navy.”

Today, Brown serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to Navy Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division Detachment Lemoore, onboard Naval Air Station (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.

Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of US’s naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly manoeuvre thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. US Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.

Brown has many opportunities to achieve during military service.

“The impact I’ve had on my sailors’ lives means the most to me,” he said. “When I see one of my sailors who has been going through some sort of challenge that looked or felt insurmountable in their life overcome that, or when I see them get promoted or get out of the military after serving with honour – that’s when I feel the proudest. I just want to have a positive impact on their lives.”

“I don’t think of it as service or serving,“ he added. “I just think about it as a person who raised their hand and is trying to do the right thing for society. Being able to be part of that is pretty awesome. So many people aren’t able to serve even if they want to. I think of it as a blessing and a privilege. It’s a privilege to be part of what this country is all about.”

As Brown continues to serve, he carries with him the memory of Lt Cmdr Kevin Davis, who he served alongside while assigned to the Blue Angels. Davis was killed in a 2007 airshow at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

“He completed his performance and did not come back,” Brown said. “He was one of the best people you could talk to, considerate and caring. Every time I re-enlist, I always talk about him. I take time to honour his family and his memory. I rest knowing that he was doing what he loved and he showed it every day.”

Brown is also grateful to his family and friends for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my wife, my mom, my stepdad, my brothers and sisters, and my dad, for all their support,” Brown said. “I want to thank my family and friends, many of whom are still serving today. Some of my closest friends, who I consider family, I’ve made just because of our service together. I have a lot of godkids because of the military, and I’ve become friends with the parents of my friends as well. It’s an experience I’ll never trade because of the love and support I get from all of them.”