By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO — Chief Petty Officer Brandon Adkins, a native of Ludowici, serves aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

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.

Adkins graduated from Long County High School in 2012.

Adkins joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Adkins serves as a retail services specialist.

“I joined the Navy because I was looking for opportunities to support my family and set a good example for others,” he said.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ludowici.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of resiliency,” he said. “Not everything is going to be easy. So, every time you fall down, you have to get up and complete the job.”

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

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.

Adkins serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Adkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is earning the rank of chief petty officer last year,” he said. “Even more important to me is watching the accomplishments of my sailors and making sure they have what they need to succeed.”

Adkins can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy has given me another chance at life,” he said. “It gives you the opportunity to not only improve your own life, but to also help others improve their lives as well.”

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

“I want to thank my family for providing a good support system,” he added. “A career in the military is not possible without support from family.”