Jackson native serves aboard Navy warship in Mayport
By Heidi Cheek
JA Guest Writer
Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Rhodes, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, serves aboard USS Delbert D. Black, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Rhodes graduated from Raymond High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jackson.
“I’ve learned that ‘closed mouths don’t get fed,’” Rhodes said. “If you need something, you need to ask for it or seek it out. Doing that has helped me navigate Navy life and get where I am now.”
Rhodes joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Rhodes serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy because of my aspirations to travel and see the world,” Rhodes said. “Mississippi is always going to be home for me, but I wanted to go out into the world and experience what the Navy had to offer.”
A Navy destroyer, Delbert D. Black is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with Tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns, and a Phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard Delbert D. Black. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Rhodes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being a recruiter in my hometown, Jackson,” Rhodes said. “I was able to encourage young students to consider the Navy but, more importantly, I was able to help change lives for the better. It felt great seeing people from where I’m from go off and excel in life outside our hometown.”
Rhodes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” Rhodes said. “I have been afforded multiple opportunities to succeed in my career and I have met so many great people along the way – people that I call my friends and some that I call my family – and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. It’s more than just serving; it’s about connecting with people and expanding your horizons.”
Rhodes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad,” Rhodes said. “They have supported me every step along the way.”
