Up & Coming Weekly

March 14, 2023

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM MARCH 15 - 21, 2023 UCW 9 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 helicop- ters, 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 commit- ments 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. ey are often the first response in a global cruise because of their ability to oper- ate 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-pow- ered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing. is year commemorates 50 years of women fly- ing in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as "e 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 un- dersea 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 Gil- day, Chief of Naval Operations. "is 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. "e Navy is the global force at sea protecting not only American interests, but also supporting our al- lies 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 ac- complishments 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 unmeasur- able 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. "e friends and family I have made while serving have also been a huge support for getting through the hard days." NEWS Fayetteville woman represents family, community while serving aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carrier by PETTY OFFICER 3rd CLASS ANDREW HANCHAR, Navy Office of Community Outreach Petty Officer 2nd Class Yasmine Jackson, a Fayetteville na- tive and graduate of Jack Britt High School, is serving aboard the Navy warship USS Carl Vinson. (Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Murtha, Navy Office of Community Outreach) Contributing Writers Wanted Join the Up & Coming team Use your creative talents to promote community events (people, concerts, theater, festivals, sports, etc.) Basic writing and interviewing skills needed Intern opportunities available for college students Contact editor@upandcomingweekly.com (910) 484-6200 Contributing Writers Wanted Don't Just Read About it, Write about it! Join the Up & Coming Weekly team • Use your creative talents to promote community events (people, concerts, theater, festivals, sports, etc.) • Basic writing and interviewing skills needed • Intern opportunities available for college students Contact editor@upandcomingweekly.com (910) 484-6200 ANDREW HANCHAR, Navy Office of Community Outreach. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200.

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