By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 3rd Class Corey Smith, a native of Moline, Illinois, serves aboard USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Smith graduated from Moline High School in 2017.
“Growing up, I learned to not be complacent,” Smith said. “In the Navy, being complacent is dangerous, especially as an electrician’s mate. Electricity kills, so you have to stay disciplined and never get complacent.”
Smith joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy to advance in my career, to have something to lean back on and to support my family,” Smith said.
Today, Smith serves as an interior communications electrician.
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.
Nimitz is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is also 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard this self-contained mobile airport, making Nimitz one of the largest warships in the world.
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.
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are continuing my education, learning how to be an interior communications electrician and visiting different countries on deployment,” Smith said. “I am proud of those things because they are proof that anything is possible and that nothing can hold me down. It also shows that there is always room for improvement and growth.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“Serving in the Navy means being a voice for the American people, protecting our citizens and inspiring others,” Smith said.
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife for sticking with me through the hardships and for being the reason why I keep going each day,” Smith added.
