By Megan Brown
Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Royea, a native of San Diego, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific.
Royea graduated from Santana High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up, I learned how to speak to adults,” said Royea. “At my first command, I was immediately working with an admiral, so I had to carry myself professionally and have manners. In the Navy, respecting others sets you up for success. When you make a good first impression, that is what you will be remembered for. It is a lot harder to make up for a bad impression.”
Royea joined the Navy 12 and a half years ago. Today, Royea serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of service,” said Royea. “My dad was in the Navy for 24 years, my two step-siblings joined the Navy a few years before me and my half-brother served in the Marines. It just felt like the best option for me with all my family being in the military.”
NIWC Pacific is comprised of more than 5,200 scientists, researchers, engineers, techni¬cians and personnel who develop and deploy technologies to support warfighters from seabed to space.
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.
“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.”
Royea has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being selected for the Occupational Standards Review in 2017,” said Royea. “I traveled to Virginia for a week, was on a panel with information systems technician subject matter experts and discussed what should go on the next advancement exam. I am proud of that because I was able to make a huge impact and see parts of my job that I don’t typically get to see. I am also proud of being a leading petty officer because it allows me to influence junior sailors in a positive way.”
Royea serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means influence,” said Royea. “It gives me a way to reach people from all walks of life and allows me to find common ground with them. I just want to leave the Navy better than I found it.”
Royea is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my former chiefs, Jeremy Gilman and Jeff Brown, for teaching me what it means to be an approachable leader,” added Royea. “They inspired me with their expertise and set me up to be a good leader. I also want to thank Senior Chief Bobbie Brinkley for being an inspiring person to work for.”
