SAN DIEGO — Petty Officer 2nd Class Yasmine Jackson, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Carl Vinson.
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.

Jackson graduated from Jack Britt High School in 2011 and joined the Navy six years ago.

“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world,” said Jackson. “My relatives, as well as my father, served in the military and it was important for me to follow in their footsteps.”

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

“I grew up in a military town where I was exposed to diversity and people from all different walks of life,” said Jackson. “Working and living with people from all different backgrounds and points of view is what makes this Navy great.”

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 cruise 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.
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% 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.”

As a member of the Navy, Jackson 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 the global force at sea protecting not only American interests, but also supporting our allies and democracy across the globe,” said Jackson. “We ensure travel and trade are able to continue safely on a daily basis.”

Jackson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Finishing our 2022 seven-month deployment successfully during COVID, as well as climbing to the rank of petty officer second class, have been my proudest accomplishments in the Navy,” said Jackson.

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

“Serving in the Navy is something that people should be proud to say they have done and gives others a role model to look up to,” said Jackson. “It is a rewarding experience that gives you unmeasurable skills and stories that you can take with you anywhere you go.”

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

“I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me while I have been away and took care of things back at home,” added Jackson. “The friends and family I have made while serving have also been a huge support for getting through the hard days.”