Falmouth native excels aboard US warship

A Jamaican serving in the United States Navy has been recognised for outstanding performance with a meritorious promotion while stationed aboard one of the Navy’s aircraft carriers.

Lesley Ann Brown, a native of Falmouth, Trelawny, was recently advanced to the rank of petty officer third class under the Navy’s Meritorious Advancement Programme (MAP) while serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis, which is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia.

The MAP allows commanding officers to reward high-performing sailors by advancing them when they demonstrate readiness to assume greater responsibilities.

Brown, a 2009 graduate of Holland High School, joined the Navy one year ago. She is also a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona, having earned degrees in 2017 and 2024.

She was recognised for sustained superior performance, professionalism, initiative and dedication to her command. Navy officials cited her consistent commitment to excellence, pride in her work, support for fellow sailors, and determination to grow both personally and professionally.

Reflecting on the achievement, Brown said she was honoured to have her efforts acknowledged by her leadership team.

“Being selected for MAP means so much to me because it represents more than just advancing in rank; it is a reminder that my hard work, dedication and commitment to serving my command have not gone unnoticed,” Brown said.

“I joined the Navy determined to build a new chapter in my life and prove to myself that I could succeed in a completely new environment. To have my leadership recognise my efforts and trust me with the responsibility of becoming a petty officer is incredibly meaningful. I am grateful for the opportunity, proud of how far I have come, and motivated to continue setting a positive example for my shipmates and those around me.”

Brown serves as a personnel specialist aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis. Aircraft carriers remain central to America’s naval operations, serving a wide range of missions including power projection, sea control, deterrence, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.