Senior Chief Petty Officer Asiem McBean, from St. Thomas, serves in the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, nicknamed the Rhino.
McBean, who joined the Navy 24 years ago, believes the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Thomas, according to a press release.
“Growing up, I learned to always work hard, no matter the limits or limitations put on you,” said McBean. “Some people see something is hard and they give up on it. I punch through and try all I can to get it done.”
“I was recruited by the Navy to be on their track team,” said McBean. “I picked up rank quickly so I gave up the track team and decided to become an aviation machinist’s mate.”
McBean currently works to support the Super Hornet demonstration team. The mission of the Rhino demonstration team is to share the rich heritage of naval aviation and display the hard work and dedication of U.S. Navy service members to the public, the release stated.
McBean has many opportunities such as this to achieve accomplishments during his military service, stated the release.
“My proudest accomplishment is the personal relationships I have built,” said McBean. “When people treat you like family they become your family. When your time in the service is finished, you will still have those people you built those relationships with.””It means the world to me to serve,” said McBean. “To have the opportunity to be an ambassador for the Navy to the people in my community and the kids I coach in soccer is very rewarding.”
According to the release, McBean is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my parents for the opportunity to join,” added McBean. “I was 17 and they had to give me permission to sign up. There have been so many mentors along the way and what they put into me in terms of time and caring has made me successful.”
McBean has big plans for his future after military service, the release stated.
“I want to return to St. Thomas and be a governor for the Virgin Islands,” added McBean. “I want to let people know there are opportunities out there and the military is one of those options that can be a stepping stone. I want others to see they can come back here afterward and change things that will help the people.”
