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(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist First Class Mitch Meppelink)
A Miami native was advanced to third class petty officer during her drill weekend with U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Reserve Component (NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F) in Mayport, FL on Jan. 8.
Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Jahlena Royer is a 2019 graduate of Langham Creek High School in Houston.
“As a mass communication specialist, I tell the stories of the Navy and its Sailors,” Royer said. “Whether that is through pictures, videos or print media, I am entrusted to accurately portray what our sailors are doing to the civilians back home.”
Navy Reserve, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet provides continuous support to its active duty counterpart and U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.
Royer joined the Navy Reserve three years ago after completing high school.
“I joined because I wanted to be able to financially assist my mom and siblings back home,” Royer said. “I also wanted a career that I could excel, grow and travel in.”
According to Royer, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami and Houston.
“Growing up I learned a lot of different lessons from the places that I lived in, but one lesson that really stayed with me is: you have to have faith,” Royer said. “You have to have faith that you’re going to get out of the bad situation you’re in and you have to have faith that you’re going to get what you want in life.”
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Richard Lofgren, commanding officer of NR COMUSNAVSO/C4F. “Petty Officer Royer is the epitome of these standards and her exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members — active or reserve — should carry themselves every day both in uniform and out.”
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 that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Royer is most proud of being promoted to petty officer third class.
Royer is the second person in her family to serve in the military, following in the footsteps of her brother, who served in the Army.
“It’s really cool continuing this tradition,” Royer said. “I like being in the Navy so far and I plan on doing the full 20 years [until retirement].”
As a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve, Royer, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving to me is a step in the best direction,” Royer added. “It’s a path to the life I envisioned for myself and family.”
