Coushatta native trains to be a U.S. Navy Warfighter

Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and this training requires highly-dedicated instructors.

At Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Meridian, instructors teach sailors to be combat-ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Seaman Recruit Jadon Mims, a native of Coushatta, Louisiana, is a student at NTTC Meridian, learning the necessary skills needed to be a yeoman.

“As a yeoman, I will be responsible for performing administrative and clerical work for my next command,” said Mims.

Mims, a 2023 graduate of Red River High School, joined the Navy five months ago.

“I joined the Navy to do bigger and better things with my life,” said Mims. “I also wanted a fresh start and to show people in my hometown that there’s more to life than what we've been given. My brother, Lucas Mims, is in the Army. He said I should think about the Navy. I’m the first woman in my family to join the Navy.”

Mims relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Coushatta to succeed in the military.

“Growing up, I learned that everything comes down to your mentality,” said Mims. “My old basketball coach taught me that a person’s mentality is what keeps them going in life and that if you don’t set your mind to it, you’re not going to succeed. I set my mind to something and keep going, no matter what. You’ve got to set your mind to it or you’re not going to succeed.”

NTTC Meridian, located at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi, is committed to developing dedicated and motivated sailors and Marines. Following boot camp, instructors provide entry-level “A” school training to students in administration and supply ratings.

NTTC Meridian is one of the more than 1,640 subordinate learning sites that serve as part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) domain. NETC educates and trains those who serve, providing the tools and opportunities enabling life-long learning, professional and personal growth, and development ensuring fleet readiness and mission accomplishment.

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.

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

“The Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Mims.

Mims has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My biggest accomplishment in the Navy so far was making it out of boot camp without quitting,” said Mims. “Boot camp was hard for me because I’m a family person and I missed them. They mean the most to me and they are very proud of me. Being able to get through boot camp showed everyone who doubted me that I could do it.”

As Mims and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“My service in the Navy means I have an important job and place in the world,” said Mims. “I take that very seriously. The Navy has shown me responsibility and has helped me mature. I’m proud to serve in the world’s finest navy.”

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

“I would like to thank both of my parents, Anthony and Donnisha Mims, my boyfriend, Josiah Jones, and my brother, Lucas, for helping me through this journey,” said Mims. “Without them, I would be very lost. I also want to thank my friends here at ‘A’ School, Jaheim Gallimore, Ariana Gardner and Kay’Moni Wims, for their support.”

Mims has goals for the future and the benefits offered by the Navy will help in reaching them.

“The education benefits the Navy offers will help me go to college,” added Mims. “I want to study interior design so I can start my own renovation business.”

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Coushatta native trains to be a U.S. Navy Warfighter