By Chief Yeoman Vicki Sonnenberg, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MAYPORT, Fl. – Lt. j.g. Yoner Valmyr serves aboard USS John Basilone, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Before serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Navy, Valmyr ministered to families in Florida.
“I was a private investigator for 20 years before serving as a local pastor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when I decided to answer the call to serve God and country,” Valmyr said. “I am a plankowner of the USS John Basilone and serving as their first chaplain.”
Valmyr joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Valmyr serves as a chaplain.
“My father and grandfather served in the Haitian Army,” Valmyr said. “My two children are on the path to commission as Navy chaplains and are currently completing their degrees.”
A Navy destroyer, John Basilone 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 John Basilone. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry, along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
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.
Valmyr has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Although I have a doctoral degree in theology with two additional master’s degrees, I returned to college and obtained a third master’s to qualify as a Navy chaplain,” Valmyr said. “The Navy policy to commission was being enforced in 2024 to not accept stacked degrees, and I was informed two days before interviewing.”
Valmyr serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“I thought I was aged out, and then I learned about the age waiver to serve in the Navy,” Valmyr said. “It is a dream come true to serve for the next 10 years.”
Valmyr is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I thank God for my wife, children, mother, spiritual father and his wife and the 7 Days Ministry Family, who kept me in prayer,” Valmyr said.
Valmyr offered encouragement for those considering a path in the military.
“I believe every young person should have the opportunity to serve in the U.S. military, regardless of their background and experience,” Valmyr said.
