Petty Officer 1st Class Nia Henderson , a proud native of Missouri City, Texas, is charting an inspiring course of service aboard the USS John Basilone (DDG 122) , one of the Navy’s newest and most advanced guided-missile destroyers stationed out of Mayport, Florida.

A graduate of Thurgood Marshall High School (Class of 2017) , Henderson is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at American Military University—balancing her academic goals with the demands of naval service.

From Missouri City to the High Seas

Henderson credits her Texas upbringing for shaping the determination and values that fuel her success.

“Growing up, I learned that if you work hard, you play harder,” Henderson said. “That mindset has led me to many achievements in the Navy, inclu

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