By Lt. Jill Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

The Woodlands, Texas, native serves at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Airman John James joined the Navy one year ago. Today, James serves as an aviation electrician's mate.

“I joined the Navy for school and many different things,” said James. “I wanted to experience the world outside of Houston and to do something different. My grandpa was an inspiration to me. He was a Marine, and I had never gotten to know him. I carry on his name.”

Growing up in The Woodlands, James attended The Woodlands High School and graduated in 2016. Today, James finds the values in The Woodlands similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“When I was working as a car salesman, I learned people skills and to have patience with others,” said James. “These skills have helped me in the Navy.”

These lessons have helped James while serving at NAS Jacksonville.

On Oct. 15, 1940, NAS Jacksonville was officially commissioned, and became the first part of the Jacksonville Navy complex that would also include NAS Cecil Field and Naval Station Mayport.

According to Navy officials, the mission of NAS Jacksonville is to enable warfighter readiness focused directly on support of operational units aboard the base and throughout the fleet.

NAS Jacksonville consists of more than 100 tenant commands and is one of the largest employers in the area. It contributes to the growth and prosperity of Northeast Florida with an economic impact of more than $2 billion annually.

Serving in the Navy means James is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy protects the waterways and international trade routes from foreign and domestic terrorism,” said James.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

There are many accomplishments that come with military service, and James is most proud of his assignment to the Individual Material Readiness List Department.

“I was selected for this one-year temporary assignment,” said James. I’m the calibration petty officer in my shop. It’s a very important role because we deal with every work center in my command and all the squadrons on base and to bases worldwide. It keeps us busy, and I love my job.”

As James and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Being a part of something bigger than myself and the community that it brings,” added James. “I have friends in the Navy stationed all over the world. If I ever visit, I’ll have friends to hang out with. Serving my country is something I always wanted to do.”