Petty Officer 2nd Class Josh Thomas, a native of Colonial Beach, Virginia, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Colonial Beach.
“Growing up in Colonial Beach, I knew I wanted to try to see and experience as much of the world as possible,” said Thomas. “Colonial Beach is a small town and as much as I loved living in a small town, I always wondered what the rest of the world had to offer.”
Thomas joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Thomas serves as a master-at-arms aboard USS Kearsarge.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Thomas. “I’ve never enjoyed being in one place for a long period of time. I wanted the opportunity to see as much of the world as I could and to have as many experiences as I could. The Navy also offered educational opportunities.”
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.
Serving in the Navy means Thomas is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy secures waterways and helps provide aid to other countries,” said Thomas. “Thinking about it in the context of a natural disaster, the aid we can provide to countries, like those in the Caribbean, is insane. The support we can provide to countries across the ocean in a matter of two weeks is incredible. We can transport 40 to 50 pieces of equipment with a thousand Marines across the ocean in a little more than a week.”
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.
Thomas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being promoted to petty officer second class,” said Thomas. “I’m making more money, but when you put on that rank it means you’re ready for that next step.”
As Thomas and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is a way for me to provide for my family,” said Thomas. “I have a 6-year-old daughter and she means the world to me. The Navy gives me a way to provide for her now and in the future.”
Thomas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother and father, Missy and Bill Thomas,” added Thomas. “They really pushed me to join the Navy when I was a senior in high school. They’ve always given me honest advice. It’s not always what you want to hear, but it’s needed. I also want to thank my daughter, Aviella. Without even knowing it she pushes me to do this every single day.”
