Celebrating My Silver Jubilee In The World’s Greatest Navy

Posted on May 8, 2022

JUDE C. EZEDIKE

This day 25 years ago, I reported to recruit training at Naval Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. Reporting as an Airman Recruit on May 7, 1997 marked the beginning of my long successful naval career in the World’s Greatest Navy. What would have been a 4 year enlistment continued to this day. To date, I never regretted this decision and have continued to serve honorably. I called this milestone “My Silver Jubilee” in the United States Navy. Reminiscing the past 25 years, I started to reflect on how I got here and how the course of my success was charted. I can infer that I did make a difference and helped towards the growth and upward mobility of our young sailors. I have guided and mentored 10 sailors to achieve their commissioning just like my mentors did for me while rising through the ranks.

I enlisted in the Navy a year after I immigrated to the USA in 1997 from Nigeria, West Africa. Joining the navy was the greatest decision that I made. I have deployed aboard aircraft carriers, frigates, and destroyers defending freedom and democracy around the world. Prior to my commissioning in December 2008, I served aboard aircraft carriers and aviation squadrons for 10 years as an Aviation Mechanic; fixing aircraft engines, fuel systems, rotors and other associated components. Right from the beginning while chocking and chaining jets on the flight deck, I knew that I wanted more than just fixing war planes. I wanted to lead our sailors while continuing to serve honorably as a commissioned officer. I started benefiting from those Programs for Afloat Education (PACE) courses offered at sea during every deployment as a young airman. I would enroll at Community Colleges during my off duty hours. I would request night shifts in order to attend classes in the mornings and afternoons. A few years later, the foundation that I laid from taking the PACE courses at sea resulted in earning my first degree in 2002. Seven other degrees would follow through the years as I navigated through my naval career.

Reflecting on my hard work to earn my degrees and subsequent commissioning was that I was very focused on the chart that I plotted for myself. I did not let distractions get in the way. I denied myself from having fun like going to the clubs, hanging out and doing the things young sailors of today do. But the main point was staying focused on my educational goals and to give back by taking care of our sailors. Remaining on sea and shore duties, I participated in several military operations and equally succeeded. I have adeptly managed multi-million Dollars Surface Ship maintenance and modernization. This job has taken me around the world. I have visited many historic places in the world that I learned in Geography class during my secondary school days. I have been to many countries that I have never dreamed of. Rising through the enlisted ranks to commissioning in 2008, I have led sailors and civilian personnel from different backgrounds and succeeded in key leadership positions. I have been entrusted to navigate multi billion dollar war ships and managed maintenance on different types of military aircrafts. I never would have wished or dreamed that a young man from Isu Ancient Kingdom in Nigeria would do these great things. My naval career has been a very unique one as I have experience in both Naval Aviation and Surface Warfare and currently as an Engineer and Acquisition Professional. Although retirement is in a few years, I have no regrets on my decision of being part of this great organization. I stand tall with great zest and satisfaction as I continue to serve proudly with honor in the world’s GREATEST NAVY. HOO YAH!!!