Editor’s Note: This article was written by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristan Cookson, Navy Office of Community Outreach.

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Shakuryor Peoples, a native of Vicksburg, 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.

Peoples graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2014.

Peoples joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Peoples serves as a boatswain’s mate.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to experience life,” said Peoples. “It allowed me to improve myself and experience the world.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Vicksburg.

“I learned that not everything deserves a reaction,” said Peoples. “I learned how to always treat people and give them respect and kindness.”

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.

Peoples 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.”

Peoples has many opportunities to meet his goals during military service.

“I’m most proud of my children,” said Peoples. “They’re what I care about the most in this world.

Peoples can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy has given me a chance to grow as a person and to always aspire for greatness,” he said.

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

“I would like to thank my grandmother, Clementine, and my sister, Shakirey, for pushing me to be great,” added Peoples.