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Ajala Coward
Ajala Coward
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ajala Coward, a native of Beaumont, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125, a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base.
Coward joined the Navy just over a year ago, and, today, serves as a yeoman.
“I wanted the opportunity to travel and I wasn’t ready to begin college,” Coward said. “I participated in Junior ROTC in high school, which introduced me to the military way of life.”
Coward, a 2021 graduate of Beaumont United High School, relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Beaumont to succeed in the military, and credits her father, Nathaniel, for pushing her to greatness.
“Growing up, I learned that it is alright to chart your own course,” said Coward. “I learned to take personal initiative, which has helped me throughout my Navy career.”
As a member of the Navy, Coward is part of an organization focused on “maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.”
“The Navy is unique because it has capabilities on land, sea and air,” said Coward, and the soldier points to opportunities offered during military service.
“I was proud to promote to Petty Officer 3rd Class in January because it represented the hard work I have been doing at this command,” said Coward. “Serving means doing something that not everyone else can.”
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later, six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.”
Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally; women are now represented in the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”