NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Beddingfield, a native of Zirconia, North Carolina, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Beverly Taylor,
Navy Office of Community Outreach

Beddingfield graduated in 2018 from East Henderson High School.

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

“I credit my hometown for my work ethic,” said Beddingfield. “It also taught me to be a team player and to care about others, not just about myself.”

Beddingfield joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Beddingfield serves as a fire controlman aboard USS Ross.

“I joined the Navy because my brother was in the Navy and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Beddingfield. “I also wanted to do something to better myself and help others.”

Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.

A destroyer is 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 Ross. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. Their jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, alongside a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.

Serving in the Navy means Beddingfield 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.

“The Navy is important to national defense because it is a global force for good that extends beyond just protecting our country,” said Beddingfield. “We can deploy anywhere in the world that suffers from war or humanitarian crisis.”

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.

Beddingfield has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was being a part of my ship’s mission in Rota, Spain,” said Beddingfield. “I had the honor of helping refugees process into Spain from Afghanistan.”

As Beddingfield and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy has given me a way to better myself,” said Beddingfield. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without being in the Navy.”

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

“I would like to thank my family,” added Beddingfield. “My mother, brother and wife have supported me through so much.”