SAN DIEGO (Aug 21, 2024) – Seaman Recruit Ciani Barnes, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, 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.
Barnes graduated from Lakeland High School in 2020.
Barnes joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Barnes serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities,” said Barnes. “I also wanted to be better for my family, and having my sister in the Navy was a huge motivation for me.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Suffolk.
“Growing up, I learned that pain produces purpose,” said Barnes. “Using this lesson has helped me make it as far as I have in the Navy.”
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.
Barnes 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.”
Barnes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating boot camp and ‘A’ school,” said Barnes. “It was definitely one of the most challenging moments of my life, and I am proud to have done it.”
Barnes can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is a great experience because of what we do and who we meet,” said Barnes. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment going out there and representing the Navy to the public.”
Barnes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my big sister, Jadice, and my little sisters, Chemiyah, Imani, Breanna and Paris,” added Barnes. “Jadice encouraged me to join, and my younger sisters are proud of me for making it this far and being in our Navy.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristan Cookson, Navy Office of Community Outreach