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

SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Dontravion McAdams, a native of Houston, Texas, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.

McAdams joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, McAdams serves as a culinary specialist aboard USS Makin Island.

“I joined the Navy to better myself as a man and to get away from the loss of my sister,” said McAdams.

Growing up in Houston, McAdams attended Hastings High School and graduated in 2012.

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

“My hometown taught me hard work, grinding to get what you want, setting a goal and accomplishing it,” said McAdams. "My mom was a hard worker, so she pushed me to be the best that I can be."

These lessons have helped McAdams while serving aboard USS Makin Island.

Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.

Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.

As a member of the Navy, McAdams 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 is important to national defense because by showing its force,” said McAdams. The Navy shows its force through its togetherness and supporting our allies.”

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.

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

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is becoming an E-6 in seven years,” said McAdams. "I felt joy because, at the beginning of boot camp, I saw E-6 sailors and thought, ‘That's where I want to be. I want to help my fellow sailors and wear those three chevrons.’"

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

“Serving in the Navy means giving our people freedom and the chance to continue bettering myself,” added McAdams.

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

“I would like to thank mom, Laquita McAdams, for recruiting me and for her guidance,” said McAdams. "She used to be in the military as a master-at-arms. I got to see her in uniform, and now she's proud of me for wearing the uniform."

“My goal is to become a chief petty officer and to continue to guide sailors and push them to be the best that they can be,” added McAdams.