VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Seaman Brittanie Downey, a native of Burlington, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the country’s premier installation for housing and training the nation’s expeditionary forces.
Downey, who graduated from Hugh M. Cummings High School in 2018, said the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Burlington.
“Growing up I learned not to give up, even when it seems hard,” Downey said. “Just push through and keep your head down until you see that light at the end of the tunnel.”
Downey joined the Navy two years ago.
“My hometown and family inspired me to join to become a better person and pursue a worthy career,” Downey said.
She is assigned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, which 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 is at the 1607 first landing site of the first English settlers. Little Creek began as a training ground for World War II amphibious forces.
Downey has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was selected as the honor graduate in my ‘A’ school (technical training),” Downey said. “I earned the highest grade in my class.”
Downey said she can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I serve something greater than myself,” she said. “It’s an honor protecting my family, friends and this great nation.”
Downey is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Adawn Downey, for continuing to push me harder in anything I want to do in life,” she said. “I also want to send a shout to my brothers and my friends and of course, I want to thank my husband, TaeQuan Jones, for supporting me and being there with me during my military journey.”
