Petty Officer 2nd Class Tikina Carpenter, a native of Newport News, Virginia, is serving with the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 135.

Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach

“I worked in the local veteran’s hospital and felt that serving would be a nice way to pay them back for what they did,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Carpenter serves as a personnel specialist.

Carpenter attended Heritage High School. Today, Carpenter uses skills and values similar to those found in Newport News.

“Growing up in Newport News, I learned not to give up,” said Carpenter. “If something doesn’t work out, just keep trying.”

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