PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — Airman Jhalon Finley, a native of Nashville, serves aboard USS Carl Vinson, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, Calif., and participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in and around the Hawaiian Islands.
Finley graduated from Nashville High School in 2018.
“My hometown taught me that, regardless of the situation, it’s important to remain true to yourself,” said Finley.
Finley joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Finley serves as an aviation support equipment technician.
“I joined the Navy to position myself better for my future,” said Finley.
As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will participate in RIMPAC 2024. This exercise provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 marks the 29th exercise in a series that began in 1971.
The relevant, realistic training program includes, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.
Finley plays an important role in the exercise.
“During RIMPAC, my role involves supporting aviation equipment squadrons, maintaining gear, and ensuring it meets operational standards,” said Finley. “It’s great that we’re all together, practicing the skills we use out here.”
“Serving in the Navy means living the life I want and enjoying freedoms that some countries do not have,” said Finley. “Service also allows me to contribute to global peacekeeping efforts.”
Finley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my recruiter for getting me started and helping me during my first couple of months here. I would also like to thank my family and friends, who support every decision I make, whether good or bad,” added Finley. “I would especially like to thank my mom and dad; they are my number one supporters. They are always there for anything I need.”
