Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Mai, a Houston native, was recently recognized while serving with U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, deployed to Norway in support of NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024.

Mai graduated from Harmony Science Academy in 2012.

"Houston was very significant to me," said Mai. "When I first immigrated to America, it was my home for ten years before I joined the Navy."

Mai earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon in recognition of their valuable contributions in the Arctic.

Created in May 1986, the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon is awarded for U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel, both officer and enlisted members, who serve above the Arctic Circle. Service members must complete 28 days of service, consecutive or non-consecutive above the Arctic Circle to qualify for this one-time award.

Mai joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Mai serves as a logistics specialist.

Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, includes more than 90,000 troops from 32 allied nations. The exercise will demonstrate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe.

"Being in Norway for Steadfast Defender has been a real learning experience," said Mai. "I know how we do things at the U.S. Second Fleet, but here, I've learned how NATO conducts business."

Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO’s largest exercise in decades, includes more than 90,000 troops from 32 allied nations. The exercise will demonstrate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe.

"Being in Norway for Steadfast Defender has been a real learning experience," said Mai. "I know how we do things at the U.S. Second Fleet, but here, I've learned how NATO conducts business."

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Mai serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

"The best part about being in the Navy is the people," added Mai. "We all come together from different backgrounds to complete the mission."

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