SAN DIEGO – Fireman Trey Polk, a native of New Iberia, Louisiana, serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.

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.

Polk graduated from New Iberia Senior High School in 2020.

Polk joined the Navy two months ago. Today, Polk serves as a damage controlman.

“My grandfather served in the Army, and his brother served in the Navy,” said Polk. “I wanted to keep my family name in service to our country.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in New Iberia.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of patience and to start every day as a new day,” said Polk.

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.

Polk serves a Navy that operates 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.”

Polk has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“So far, the accomplishment I’m most proud of graduating boot camp and getting to my first ship,” said Polk.

Polk can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means that I get a chance to meet others and to be part of a team that serves a higher calling,” said Polk.

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

“I want to thank my mom, Karen, for raising me and keeping me on the right path,” added Polk.