NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Seaman Kyndal Cox, a native of Alexandria, Tennessee, 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.
Cox attended DeKalb County High School and graduated in 2021. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alexandria.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, dedication and motivation,” said Cox. "In the Navy, you have to have motivation to go through hard times, especially without your family. Hard work is also important because it makes the job better.”
Cox joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Cox serves as a logistics specialist aboard PCU John F. Kennedy.
“I joined the Navy because I felt like I was worth more than working dead-end jobs my whole life,” said Cox.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance 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.
Cox 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.”
Cox has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is getting through boot camp and continuing to do this,” said Cox. "I am proud of that because it was not something easy to do and it was something new I had to learn to accept. However, getting through showed me that I can be successful in the Navy.”
Cox can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting my loved ones,” said Cox. "I am definitely very proud to be in the Navy because it is a selfless act of service."
Cox is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Michelle, my dad, Kevin, my aunt, Tiwana, and my sister, Latravia, for helping me get through boot camp and for being there for me whenever I need a shoulder to lean on,” added Cox. "I also want to thank my best friend, Syndee, for everything she has done for me. She was there for me when no one else was and for when I didn’t feel comfortable going to my own family."
