PENSACOLA – Petty Officer 3rd Class Radja Williams, a native of Oakleaf, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola operating out of Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Williams joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Williams serves as a religious programs specialist.

“My dad was an aviation boatswain's mate in the Navy, and he inspired me to join,” said Williams.

Williams attended Oakleaf High and graduated in 2013. Today, Williams relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Clay County to succeed in the military.

“The most important value is humility; being from the south I bring that “Southern hospitality” with me everywhere,” said Williams.

This mentality continues to help Williams while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola.

Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola, also known as Naval Hospital Pensacola, is older than 26 U.S. States and is in its second century of service. It is one of the country's oldest and most respected military medical facilities. NHP continues to provide health care to more than 150,000 beneficiaries in its main facility and 10 branch clinics across five states.

Today, the sixth Naval Hospital building was the first to be built outside of the NAS Pensacola installation. Initially commissioned as the Naval Regional Aerospace Medical Command in 1978, it continues its mission of providing healthcare to America's heroes and their families throughout the Gulf Coast region. In 2001, a two-story, 73,000 square-foot Outpatient Clinic was added to the Naval Hospital.

NHP's mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare to warfighters and beneficiaries, ensuring a medically ready force through strategic integration, innovation, and well-trained personnel.

Serving in the Navy means Williams is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy provides protection everywhere around the world,” said Williams.

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States are directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Williams and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m most proud of my reenlistment,” said Williams. “I made the decision to keep doing what I do in the Navy because I believe it is important.”

As Williams and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“To me, serving in the Navy means being able to realize and understand that I am in an organization where I have to put others before myself,” Williams said.