NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Airman Carter Hasting, a native of Lakeside, California, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Hasting attended El Capitan High School and graduated in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lakeside.
“I played a lot of sports growing up so I learned that I had to work with different people of different backgrounds and personalities,” said Hasting. “In order to succeed we had to be a solid team.”
Hasting joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Hasting serves as an aviation machinist’s mate aboard PCU John F. Kennedy.
“I joined the Navy to give back to my country and I wanted to pursue a career in aviation,” said Hasting.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assis¬tance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
Aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
This is the second aircraft carrier to honor President John F. Kennedy for a lifetime of service to the nation. The first USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) aircraft carrier served the fleet for over 50 years before decommissioning in 2007. John F. Kennedy wore our nation’s uniform as a Navy lieutenant during World War II before serving as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 to November 1963.
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.
Hasting 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,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Hasting has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment so far is finishing ‘A’ school and officially becoming an aviation machinist’s mate,” said Hasting.
Hasting can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot,” added Hasting. “Both of my grandfathers served and when I put on my uniform, it represents something bigger than myself.”
Hasting is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my family for their support and for always being a phone call away if I need them for anything,” added Hasting.
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Whitten Helton
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Reprinted courtesy of the US Navy
