Surprise native in 16th year serving Navy

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Seward, a native of Surprise, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.

Seward graduated from Peoria Sunrise Mountain High School in 2005.

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

“I learned in my hometown the importance of being vigilant and consistent,” Seward said.

He joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Seward serves as a religious program specialist.

“I initially served in the Army as a military policeman, but I was interested in making a change,” Seward said. "I went to the Navy recruiter with my brother, and while I was there, the recruiter asked if I was interested in joining the Navy. At first, I said no, but eventually, I decided to join. My brother, Hunter, also joined the Navy."

According to Navy officials, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story is the country’s premier installation for housing and training the nation’s expeditionary forces. It is one command with two properties: Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story and JEB Little Creek. The Joint Expeditionary Base is comprised of the former Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and the Army Post of Fort Story.

Fort Story witnessed the humble beginnings of the nation at the 1607 first landing site. Little Creek began as a dynamic training ground for World War II amphibious forces.

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.

Seward 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," Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, said. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."

Seward has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Providing assistance in Haiti right after the earthquake in 2010 was inspiring,” he said. "It was my first deployment, and it meant a lot to help those in need."

Seward can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy gives my kids something to look up to,” he said. "My wife and I are both in the military and our oldest son has already expressed an interest in joining."