NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Journey Sanders, a native of Mountain View, Missouri, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Sanders joined the Navy nearly four years ago. Today, Sanders serves as a machinist’s mate aboard USS Mesa Verde.
“I came from a small town and wanted to broaden my horizons and travel the world,” said Sanders.
Growing up in Mountain View, Sanders attended Liberty High School and graduated in 2019.
Skills and values similar to those found in Mountain View are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned a strong work ethic back home,” said Sanders. “This helps me because there’s always work to do and the Navy recognizes people who do it well.”
These lessons have helped Sanders while serving aboard USS Mesa Verde.
USS Mesa Verde is an amphibious transport dock. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.
Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.
As a member of the Navy, Sanders 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.
“Most of the world is covered by water,” said Sanders. “If we can’t defend the waters, we can’t defend our nation’s borders.”
With 90 percent 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.”
Sanders and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I made it through nuclear field power school which was a big accomplishment,” said Sanders. “It has a lot of civilian career transition potential.”
As Sanders and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means stability and job security,” said Sanders.
Sanders is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank the nuclear power machinist’s mate instructor at my nuclear course,” added Sanders. “He worked hard to make sure as many people as possible could pass the class.”
