NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Belza, a native of Yadkinville, North Carolina, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier currently under construction in Newport News, Virginia.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
Belza attended Forbush High School and graduated in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Yadkinville.
“I learned that sometimes the best way to grow is to leave the comfort zone of your hometown,” said Belza.
Belza joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Belza serves as an operations specialist aboard PCU John F. Kennedy.
“I joined the Navy for the travel opportunities,” said Belza.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide. More than 5,000 sailors serve aboard these self-contained mobile airports.