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 Konyae Burkes, a native of Laveen, is a student at NTTC Meridian, learning the necessary skills needed to be a logistics specialist.

“A logistics specialist is a supplier, kind of like Amazon but on a ship,” said Burkes. “I’ll be ordering supplies and delivering them.”

Burkes, a 2022 graduate of South Pointe High School, at 8325 S. Central Ave., in Phoenix, joined the Navy four months ago.

“I joined to better my life and to travel the world,” Burkes said.

Burkes relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Laveen to succeed in the military.

“I learned to stay motivated at all times and to be prepared for anything,” Burkes said.

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 Burkes 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.

“We look over the seas and keep America and its allies safe,” Burkes said.

Burkes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m most proud of completing boot camp,” Burkes said. “It’s both physically and mentally tough. I saw people got separated that couldn't overcome the physical or mental parts of it.”

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

“Serving in the Navy means that I can protect my family,” Burkes said.

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

“My family pushed and motivated me to follow through, make it through boot camp and get into the fleet,” Burkes added.