Surprise graduate now shining in Navy

GULFPORT, Miss. — Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Infiniti Nicole Washington, a 2020 graduate of Paradise Honors High School, currently serves with Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport as a religious program specialist, serving with more than 10,000 service members, civilian personnel, veterans and family members associated with the installation.

Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors of NCBC Gulfport personify the “Can-Do” motto of Seabees and are ready to deploy and serve globally.

Washington joined the Navy four years ago.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted a better life than what I had,” Washington said. “I also wanted to go to school to further my education.”

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

“My parents taught me good morals, values and the importance of having a good work ethic,” Washington said. “They also taught me that being different is perfectly OK.”

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.

Washington serves a Navy that operates far 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.”

Washington has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a religious program specialist,” Washington said. “I love being able to help people and provide services to those who feel like they can’t get help anywhere else.”

Washington can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means that I beat all the odds and didn’t become a statistic,” Washington said. “I also wanted to show my community that I could make it in the military and it makes my family proud.”

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

“I would like to thank my mother, Nicole, siblings, Jacob, Jada, Ja’maria, Justice, and Jimmy, and lastly, my recruiter, for all their support,” Washington said.

Washington plans to continue their education while serving in the Navy.

“I plan on going to school to get a degree in psychology to become a clinical psychologist,” Washington said.

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