By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Navie Morris, a native of Houston, Texas, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.

Morris, a 2014 graduate of Atascocita High School, joined the Navy eight years ago.

“I joined the Navy to have the opportunity to see the world, to be on my own and to start school,” said Morris.

Today, Morris relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Houston to succeed in the military.

“My parents instilled in me a strong good work ethic, with good morals and values that have made me a better woman and sailor,” said Morris.

These lessons have helped Morris while serving in the Navy.

NAVSTA Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility, and has an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling any aircraft in DoD inventory.

The mission of NAVSTA Mayport is to sustain and enhance warfighter readiness. The Navy at Mayport covers 3,409 acres and is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. NAVSTA Mayport is home to more than 70 tenant commands and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet and the Navy’s first Triton squadron, according to Navy officials.

NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.

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

Serving in the Navy means Morris is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to our national defense by projecting air and sea power, and helping our allies against our adversaries and otherworldly threats,” said Morris.

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

“My proudest moment is when I had the opportunity to visit Rome, Italy, while I was stationed overseas,” said Morris. "I loved experiencing their food, culture and history because I never thought I would leave ‘Small Town, USA.’”

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

“I have a long history of family who have served in the Navy,” said Morris. “For example, my late great-grandfather, Archie Wilson, served in the military and flew planes during WWII, and my grandfather served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic,” said Morris. “I feel proud to carry on our family name of service to our country. I am the first female in my family to serve in the military and I hope to be an inspiration and role model for younger females in my extended family.”

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

“I would like to thank Senior Chief William Ellwood, retired Master Chief Bryan Taylor, my current chief, Cory Marable, and Petty Officer 1st Class James McKenzie, for all their leadership and guiding me into the person I am today,” said Morris.

“I’m currently a student at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and my educational goal is to get a degree in psychology,” added Morris.