From Jackson to a Navy warship: Sailor serves aboard USS Germantown

By Megan Lemly

JA Guest Writer

SAN DIEGO – Seaman Zori Ephraim Johnson, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Germantown, a dock landing ship operating out of Naval Base San Diego.

Johnson graduated from Terry High School in 2021.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of hospitality and how to stand my ground,”  Johnson said. “Hospitality is important in the Navy because you have to be friendly when interacting with sailors. Standing my ground is also important because it shows that I have respect for myself and others.”

Johnson joined the Navy two years ago.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted something new,” Johnson said. “I didn’t want to sit around and waste my good years. I also wanted to travel the world and create a career for myself.”

Today, Johnson serves as a yeoman.

Dock landing ships like Germantown transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with their crews and embarked personnel. The ships have a flat, open well deck in the back that fills its tank with water to let smaller boats and heavy vehicles float inside or drive out during beach operations. More than 300 sailors serve aboard Germantown, and the ship is capable of transporting an additional 400 Marines.

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

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.

Johnson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is earning Blue Jacket of the Quarter for USS Germantown in January of this year,” Johnson said. “I am proud of that because I worked really hard for it, and all my other accomplishments went into me achieving that goal.”

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

“Being in the Navy means taking pride in what I do and helping others while I serve my country and community,” Johnson said.

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

“I want to thank my cousin, Richard Powell, for helping me get here,” Johnson added. “He helped me find a recruiter and has been supportive ever since I started my Navy journey. I am also grateful for my Pop Pop, King Johnson, because he never gave up on me. He always had my back through whatever decisions I made. Lastly, I want to thank Chief Personnel Specialist Laumoli for keeping me grounded and on a straight path. She’s a great mentor and a great support system for me.”