Hometown Hero

For Lake Worth native and Santaluces High School graduate Jermaine Johnson, being in the Navy is the perfect fit.

“The lesson from my hometown that I have applied to my career that has helped me succeed in the Navy is to keep your values dear to your heart, so you never forget your purpose,” he said in a press release.

Johnson – a petty officer 1st class who works as a Navy machinist’s mate in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – is responsible for monitoring and maintaining torpedoes, missiles and small arms aboard the submarine. He serves within the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles.

Part of his instruction involved learning about engineering and tactical team training as well as how to operate undetected under the sea for long periods of time. 

“Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to in defense circles as the gateway to the Pacific, means Johnson is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy,” notes the press release. 

Johnson earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for being selected as NSTCP Instructor of the Year. 

“I’m proud of this medal because I worked hard for it. It’s the highest level of achievement at a training command,” he said. “Serving in the Navy is honorable to me. To learn about the people who’ve fallen before me and the sacrifices they’ve made gives me the unstoppable will to do the best I can each and every day.”