ANAHEIM — Electronics Technician Nuclear 2nd Class Jonathan Kim, an Anaheim native and 2016 Canyon High School graduate, was named Warfighter of the Week aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) on July 10, 2026.
Recognition for technical work that affects ship readiness
The ship’s Warfighter of the Week program highlights a single sailor selected by leadership for outstanding contributions. According to the Navy’s July 10 release, Kim was credited as an essential member of George Washington’s Reactor Department for his “unwavering vigilance” during a significant systems update.
Kim’s work involved the successful installation of a large-scale programming field change that the Navy says directly improved the accessibility and security of the carrier’s network — a step officials tied to maintaining the ship’s optimal level of mission readiness while operating in the Indo-Pacific.
“Growing up in Anaheim, I was taught how to maintain a good work ethic and push through adversity. I’m learning new skills and getting better daily.”
The Navy noted Kim has served four years. The USS George Washington is described in the release as the service’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support a free and open Indo-Pacific alongside partners and allies.
What this means for the local community
For Anaheim residents and graduates of Canyon High School, the recognition highlights a local connection to the Navy’s global operations. Awards like Warfighter of the Week also underscore the kinds of technical roles enlisted sailors perform — particularly in nuclear and reactor departments where maintenance and software changes can have immediate implications for both safety and mission capability.
- Sailor: Electronics Technician Nuclear 2nd Class Jonathan Kim
- Award date: July 10, 2026
- Hometown and school: Anaheim; Canyon High School, class of 2016
- Service time: Four years in the U.S. Navy
- Vessel: USS George Washington (CVN 73)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Award | Warfighter of the Week |
| Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Unit | Reactor Department, USS George Washington |
The Navy release connects an individual sailor’s technical achievement to broader operational goals: ensuring network security and accessibility aboard a forward-deployed carrier. For families and neighbors in Anaheim, the recognition is a reminder of the varied roles service members fill and how local youth contribute to national defense far from home.
Community members seeking more information about the USS George Washington or Navy personnel news can consult official Navy channels and public affairs releases for updates and photographs documenting shipboard life and activities.
Reporting for News Block.
