Queens NY, Native Serves Aboard U.S. Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base

Virginia Beach, Va. – Seaman Apprentice Sincere Henry, a native of Jamaica in Queens, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana.

Henry joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Henry serves as a culinary specialist.

“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of service,” said Henry. "My mom, dad and uncle all served in the military. My mom and uncle both served in the Navy, and my dad served in the Marine Corps." Growing up in Jamaica, Henry attended Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens and graduated in 2021. Today, Henry relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jamaica to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me the value of working hard,” said Henry. "If you put in the hard work, good things will come. That's a helpful mindset to have in the Navy. You have to work your way up to be successful and to advance in your career." These lessons have helped Henry while serving with Naval Air Station Oceana. Naval Air Station Oceana serves as the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base. The flight line, Apollo Soucek Field, is home to 17 aviation squadrons, and hosts the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land. Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport. Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. "The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries." Serving in the Navy means Henry is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy. “The Navy contributes to the National Defense Strategy by bringing freedom and justice to areas around the world,” said Henry. "We make freedom attainable for all." With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea. “Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.” Henry and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest Navy accomplishment is joining the Navy and getting to where I am today,” said Henry. "Boot camp was initially supposed to be eight weeks, but then it jumped to 10 weeks for extra training. It was long and difficult, but I made it through. That's something to be proud of." As Henry and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Henry. "I get to be a part of the legacy of service my parents set forth for me."