“I learned growing up to not be afraid to take a leap out of my comfort zone and to do something new,” Pierson said. “Taking a leap of faith is important because it shows what you are capable of. Joining the Navy was a huge leap of faith for me because without it, I probably never would have left my hometown or gotten into shape.”

Pierson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Pierson serves as a hull maintenance technician.

“I joined the Navy because I was looking for welding jobs, and I saw the Navy’s welding program,” Pierson said. “I fell in love with welding instantly, and the Navy gave me the opportunity to do what I love every day.”

Jack H. Lucas is named for Marine Corps Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served in the Marines during World War II and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Iwo Jima after saving the lives of three Marines when he was just 17 years old. Lucas is the youngest Marine, and the youngest service member in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest military honor for valor.

Jack H. Lucas is a Navy destroyer, a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard Jack H. Lucas. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Pierson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being the youngest sailor ever to graduate from the Advanced Welding ‘C’ School,” Pierson said. “I was very fortunate to even have the opportunity to go, let alone so early in my career.”

Pierson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy is just like any other job,” Pierson said. “You’ll have good days and bad days, friends and bad bosses, but thinking about all the women and men who served before me gives this job more meaning than other jobs possibly could.”

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

“I want to thank Machinery Repairman 1st Class Roach, Chief Damage Controlman Petway, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Maza, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Tode, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician French, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Cunningham and Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Farris, for giving me the opportunity to further my career,” Pierson added. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today. I also want to thank my parents, Matt and Maryann, for always being there for me and supporting me no matter what.”