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Tamarac Man Says Growing Up in Diverse South Florida Prepared Him For U.S. Navy

by Agrippina Fadel May 6, 2022

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Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Jemison, photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class, Justin Whitley {US Navy}

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Jemison. {US Navy}

By Agrippina Fadel

Tamarac resident Michael Jemison joined the Navy because he wanted a career that allowed him to travel and offered ample opportunities for promotion and advancement.

A 2007 of J.P. Taravella High School, Petty Officer 1st Class Jemison serves as a missile technician stationed at Naval Base Kitsap, homeport to West Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines.

Jamison said the lessons he learned growing up in Tamarac had helped him find himself in the Navy.

“I have taken my experience with the diverse cultural landscape of South Florida and used it to help people from different backgrounds work together more effectively,” he added.

Known as America’s “apex predators,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines can conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world.

As a member of the submarine force, Jemison is part of a rich 122-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of fighting the enemy in defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Jemison is part of a team taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices supporting the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy maintains a powerful presence around the world and acts a deterrent to potential adversaries,” said Jemison.

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 underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States are directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Jemison and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My qualification as a Strategic Weapons Duty Officer is my proudest accomplishment in the Navy,” said Jemison. “I had to prove myself as an expert in my field to pass the rigorous examinations and interviews.”

As he and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means braving and mastering complex and ever-changing environments that few ever get to experience and doing so with a tight-knit family you can always depend on,” added Jemison.

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Agrippina Fadel

Agrippina Fadel grew up in Siberia and received her master's in journalism from Tyumen State University. A resident of Florida for over 10 years, she also works as a marketing and communication specialist at a local university.