BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS JASON WAITE, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PEARL HARBOR – Petty Officer 3rd Class Alvis Frederick, a native of Kissimmee, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Frederick joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Frederick serves as an equipment operator.
“I joined the Navy to get out of my hometown,” said Frederick.
Growing up in Kissimmee, Frederick attended Liberty High School and graduated in 2014.
Today, Frederick relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Kissimmee to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to stay passionate and never relax,” said Frederick. “If you’re not trying to be better, you get worse.”
These lessons have helped Frederick while serving with NAVFAC Hawaii.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Frederick is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We are the finest Navy combat team and we support national defense because of our presence around the globe,” said Frederick.
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.”
Frederick and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of making petty officer third class while I was stationed in Japan,” said Frederick. “I feel like it opened up an entirely new chapter in my career while allowing me to still work in the same field.”
As Frederick and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I’m one of the few who would stand and volunteer everything I have to protect everything I love,” said Frederick.
Frederick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my uncle, Louis Garcia, who has been a father figure and a mentor throughout my career,” added Frederick. “I’d also like to thank Master Chief Mario Perez for being the prime example of a sailor for me to follow in the footsteps of.”
