By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josiah Trombley, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO - Seaman Donovan Alexander-Profit, a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Abraham Lincoln.

Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.

Alexander-Profit, a 2021 Houston County High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.

“I joined the Navy because of a family friend, retired Master Chief Petty Officer Williams,” said Alexander-Profit. “He told me that I could start a new life in the Navy because it is a stepping stone to a better life.”

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Warner Robins.

“My hometown taught me how to be a good leader for others,” said Alexander-Profit. "It’s a military town, so a lot of military members and officers that I worked with taught me what to do and what not to do."

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece 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.

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

"Sailors are truly the most valuable asset on USS Abraham Lincoln," said Capt. Pete Riebe, commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln. "The crew has been working hard preparing the ship for deployment since I took command and I can't wait to take the team to sea so that I can see these warfighters in action."

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

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.

As a member of the Navy, Alexander-Profit is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy helps to make sure there are no surprise attacks to our coasts,” said Alexander-Profit. "They deter our enemies with our maritime presence."

Alexander-Profit has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been meeting people and joining in their camaraderie,” said Alexander-Profit.

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

“Serving in the Navy means that I can make a new life and find something that I can enjoy doing,” said Alexander-Profit.

Alexander-Profit is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank all of the Air Force officers back in my hometown,” said Alexander-Profit. “My mom was a secretary in the Air Force, so I got to interact with officers when I went to her office with her.”

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