NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Dera Jones, who graduated from Oakleaf High in 2019, now serves aboard USS New Jersey, the U.S. Navy’s newest fast-attack submarine homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those in Oakleaf.

“My hometown taught me to look out for people around you,” said Jones. “There's always someone you can help out around you. Pouring into the community helps you build up and not be alone.”

Jones joined the Navy nearly three years ago and today serves as a machinist's mate (nuclear).

“I joined the Navy to set myself up for a better future,” said Jones. "I also was stagnant at home and wanted to do something big and challenge myself."

Known as America’s “Apex Predators!" The Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world to further U.S. national security.

Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition. New Jersey is the first Virginia-class submarine designed and built for an entire gender-integrated crew.

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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Jones serves a Navy that operates far forward, worldwide and 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.”

Jones has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was getting through the training pipeline and getting here,” said Jones. "I was put on a year-long hold for medical issues and became a part of the indoctrination division, around 2,000 people.”

Jones can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means doing something bigger than myself,” said Jones. “It also means using new technology to defend it. It's pretty awesome. Not everyone can say they do this."

Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I'd like to thank my family, Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church and all the teachers I had for supporting me and pushing me to pursue my dreams,” said Jones. "They've been good examples and have helped me finish college.”

Jones offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.

“Don’t be the one to disqualify yourself; do the hard things and let someone else tell you no," Jones said.