VALDOSTA – Valdosta native, Master Chief Petty Officer David Jenkins, is serving the country with the United States Navy helicopter squadron in Japan.
Release:
Master Chief Petty Officer David Jenkins, a native of Valdosta, Georgia, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.
Jenkins graduated from Valdosta High School in 1993.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Valdosta.
“Realizing that it is no longer about me,” said Jenkins. “Coming from a small town back home we all knew each other and trusted each other.”
Jenkins joined the Navy 28 years ago. Today, Jenkins serves as a Command Master Chief.
“Looking to get away from a small town and to serve my country,” said Jenkins. “I wanted to make life better for myself and become successful later in life.”
Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 51 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.
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.
Jenkins in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“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.”
Jenkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say I was selected to be Master Chief Petty Officer,” said Jenkins. “Being able to get away from Georgia and having the opportunity to see the world, experience different cultures, and serve my county are all amazing.”
Jenkins can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving my country means standing up and protecting my fellow Americans,” said Jenkins. “Wearing the uniform makes me proud.”
Jenkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife and daughter for all of the sacrifices that they have made to support me,” added Jenkins. “My parents were huge supporters of me enlisting and I will always be grateful to them.”
