MAYPORT, Fla. (May 13, 2024) – Seaman Apprentice Charnyah Brown, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Station Mayport.
Brown graduated from Indian River High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norfolk.
“I learned to adapt to different environments because I moved a lot around the Hampton Roads area,” said Brown. “This helped in the Navy because you are always having to adapt to new people and new working environments.”
Brown joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Brown serves as an undesignated sailor.
“I joined the Navy to better myself and to provide better opportunities for my daughter, who was three at the time,” said Brown. “I feel I have been able to do that, so my first goal has been accomplished.”
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.
“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.”
Brown has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving in the Navy means growth and gaining strength as a person,” said Brown. “It also means accomplishing goals and overcoming challenges.”
Brown is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my husband, Mario Thomas, my daughter Lyla, and also my parents Linda Miller and Charles Brown for being supportive and watching over my daughter while I’ve had to be away,” added Brown. “They all give me a reason to not ever give up.”
“I want to buy a home and perhaps add to our family,” said Brown. “I’m also interested in starting a business and going to college to study criminology because I eventually want to strike into the legalman rating.”