Findlay Native Serving Aboard Navy Aircraft Carrier
(From the Navy Office of Community Outreach)
Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriela Hailey, a native of Findlay, Ohio, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
Hailey graduated from Findlay High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Findlay.
“Two lessons I learned from my hometown were to always be accepting of others and to respect their opinions,” Hailey said. “In the Navy, there are people from all over the world and I have to be accepting of them so we can work together and accomplish our missions.”
Hailey joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Hailey serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy because I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated high school,” Hailey said. “However, I always knew I wanted to see the world. So, when the Navy recruiters came to my school and told me about all the experiences they’ve had, I realized the Navy was exactly what I wanted to do for my life.”
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.
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.
Hailey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being nominated for my department for Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” Hailey said. “I am proud of this because I worked hard for the last four years to earn all the qualifications I need. Even if I don’t win for the command, it is okay because I’m just glad my division acknowledged my hard work.”
Hailey 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 that I am part of something bigger than myself and that I have a whole world of opportunities ahead of me,” Hailey said.
Hailey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank my family for supporting me in every way possible these last four years,” Hailey added.
