SAN DIEGO — Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Noyes, a native of San Tan Valley, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego.
Noyes graduated from Poston Butte High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Tan Valley.
“Working in my hometown has taught me how to work hard and to get the job done the right way,” Noyes said.
Noyes joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Noyes serves as an electrician’s mate.
“My wife inspired me to join so that we can have a future and a head start in life,” Noyes said. “My wife inspired me because she had joined, but due to medical reasons, had to separate, so it inspired me to join and fill in for her.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Among the largest warships in the world, USS Theodore Roosevelt is longer than three football fields at 1,092 feet. The ship is 252 feet wide and weighs more than 100,000 tons. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.
“This aircraft carrier is one of the most powerful warships in the world, but it is our sailors that give the U.S. Navy our warfighting advantage,” said Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt. “For over 250 years, sailors have built the foundation of our readiness and resolve, enabled us to keep America safe and ensured the U.S. Navy remains the strongest and most capable maritime force in the world.”
According to Navy officials, 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 oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
Noyes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of being recognized by the commanding officer for the hard work and effort I put into my division, and ended up being on the president’s list,” Noyes said. “I’m most proud of being on the president’s list because I was invited to join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, which is hard to get into in your first and second year, so knowing my wife and I got in shows how hard we worked for it.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“Serving in the Navy means fighting for the freedom of all who deserve it,” Noyes said. “It also means providing for my family to ensure a good future.”
Noyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, both our families, my recruiter, and leadership. I wouldn’t be here without them.” Noyes said.
