Petty Officer 2nd Class Ajianah Broomes - Fort Lauderdale Native Serves With U.S. Navy In Florida

Broomes graduated from Dillard High School in 2019.

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

“I developed a strong work ethic through various jobs, which taught me the importance of professionalism, including maintaining my uniform and appearance,” Broomes said. "I made it a point to wake up each day looking and feeling my best."

Broomes joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Broomes serves as a retail services specialist.

“My guidance counselor highly recommended I participate in the Junior ROTC program,” Broomes said. "I had no intentions of joining, but my good friend enlisted and influenced me to follow."

Since its commissioning in 1942, Naval Station Mayport has grown to become the third largest fleet concentration area in the United States. Boasting both a large harbor and an 8,000-foot runway capable of handling any military aircraft in use, Naval Station Mayport is home to more than 80 commands, including 22 ships and three helicopter squadrons.

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.

Broomes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was being selected as Sailor of the Third Quarter and later as Sailor of the Year for fiscal year 2021,” Broomes said. "Now, as a supervisor, seeing the growth and success of the junior personnel I have mentored has been my greatest achievement."

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

“I serve my community. I proudly represent my Haitian and Bajan immigrant roots, paving the way for the next generation to achieve greatness, whether they choose to join the military or pursue another path,” Broomes said.

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

“I would like to thank my parents, Nigel Broomes and Mara FanFan, for giving me life and the opportunity to serve and believing in me,” Broomes said. "I especially want to thank my military family, Petty Officer First Class Hart-Cradel and Senior Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Young, for overcoming our differences and challenges to become mentors who have supported me throughout my career."

“I am pursuing an associate in arts and plan to continue my education to become a chemist,” Broomes said.