Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Andre L. Arthur joined the Navy because of a desire to see the world, pursue a higher education and branch out from his familiar surroundings of Toledo, Ohio.
“I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other,” said Arthur. “I wanted to meet new people, travel, and better myself.”
Far from Toledo, Arthur is now a Sailor aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.
As a team member of ammunition magazine five, Arthur is responsible for assembling laser-guided bombs to a ready status, the transfer and loading of ammunition and bombs onto aircraft, and the care, organization, and storage of munitions and bomb components.
His commitment to his job is reflected in the pride he holds in being a Sailor.
“I know a lot of people who weren’t able to stay in the Navy for one reason or another,” said Arthur. “I feel that I’m lucky to be able to still be here, doing what I do. I have taken a complete turn from when I first joined the Navy as Seaman Arthur, now Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Arthur, who is surface warfare qualified and has grown both personally and professionally.”
As the assistant training petty officer for his division, the command diversity committee secretary, a member of Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, and an active volunteer within his community, Arthur has shown himself to hold true to the Kearsarge motto of “Proud, Trustworthy and Bold.”
“I try to be involved in as much as I can in order for me to be one of those guys that other junior Sailors can talk to,” said Arthur. “Everything I do allows me to provide help, assistance and knowledge. You never know who you might meet five or ten years down the line, when it’s you who needs help.”
Arthur’s dedication to his job, command and community led to his being selected as Kearsarge’s Junior Sailor of the Quarter, 4th quarter of fiscal year 2020.
“It’s important for junior Sailors like myself to be able to work towards goals, whether it be education, advancement, or Petty Officer of the Quarter,” said Arthur. “Spotlighting Sailors that work hard to put their best foot forward, and come to work every day motivated, showcases the value that the Navy holds for young people like myself.”
Arthur is planning on enrolling in college courses in the spring for business management, continuing to meet the goals he set for himself.