Fort Lauderdale native serves in Pearl Harbor

Fort Lauderdale native serves in Pearl Harbor

By Chief Mass

Communication Specialist Erica Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach

      PEARL HARBOR – A Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native and 2007 Boyd Anderson High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Fireman Jeffery Gumbs, an engineman, is serving where U.S. Pacific Fleet Headquarters are located.

As an engineman, Gumbs is responsible for ensuring branches and debris are out of the way of traffic and making sure the landscaping on Joint Base is base maintained

“Integrity is one of the big lessons I was taught,” said Gumbs. “It is like one of the foundations you grow up with. Also, listen to your supervisors and those above you and treat everyone like you want to be treated.”

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means that Gumbs is serving in a part of the world that is taking on new importance in America’s national defense strategy.

“Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter,” said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. “Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility’s flag pole, the First Navy Jack, ‘Don’t Tread on Me,’ flies, reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy.”

The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades, according to Navy officials. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.

The Navy has plans, by 2020, to base approximately 60 percent of its ships and aircraft in the region. Officials say the Navy will also provide its most advanced warfighting platforms to the region, including missile defense-capable ships; submarines; reconnaissance aircraft; and its newest surface warfare ships, including all of the Navy’s new stealth destroyers.

Gumbs has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My sister was in the Army and her husband was in the Air Force. When I would visit them, they would share their experiences with me and I decided to join,” said Gumbs.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gumbs and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their life-times providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I am fighting for my country and my serving helps us live a better life and understand that our causes are bigger than we are,” added Gumbs.