MILLINGTON, Tn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Caleb Head, a native of Bowie, Maryland, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Theodore Roosevelt.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
Head, a 2017 graduate of Riverdale Baptist High School, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy to finish my college degree and have a stable career,” said Head.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bowie.
“Growing up, I was always doing something to keep myself busy while sustaining school, which taught me both discipline and balance,” said Head.
Today, Head serves as a yeoman responsible for performing administrative and clerical work.
“My favorite part of being a yeoman is getting to help people daily,” said Head.
Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is named in honor of the 26th President of the United States.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Head serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Head has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud to work aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt and my proudest accomplishment was getting my air and surface warfare specialist pins,” said Head.
Head can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means giving myself to a higher purpose to serve my country,” added Head.
