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(Photo courtesy U.S. Navy)
Chief Petty Officer Carmenta Meza, a native of Miami, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, VA.
Meza attended William H. Turner Technical High School and graduated in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami.
“Being raised in a household that required everyone to do their part, a big lesson I learned from my hometown is that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem,” Meza said.
Meza joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, she serves as an Aviation Ordnanceman aboard USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship.
“The biggest inspiration for me joining the Navy was my older brother, Legalman First Class Alain Bois,” Meza said.
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire.
With 90 percent 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 trained Sailors and a strong Navy.
Meza and the Sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My greatest accomplishments I have always tied in with the success of my Sailors, whether it’s advancements, a new qualification, or a college degree,” Meza said. “I am also proud of the fact that I now stand here as a Navy chief who is awaiting a commission as an officer this year.”
As Meza 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 takes courage and sacrifice,” Meza said. “Everything done at any level contributes to a greater mission. I am proud to wear my uniform as a Black Haitian woman born of two immigrant parents.”
Meza is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“One of the biggest contributors to me being where I am today is retired Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Heather Proctor,” Meza added. “She is the leader who made the greatest impact and set me on the path that allowed me to meet many other great people. Most of all, I want to thank my husband, Nathaniel, for always supporting me.”
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