Rancho Cordova native continues family legacy in Navy Reserve

Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Grant Johnson, a native of Rancho Cordova, serves as a Reserve Sailor in the U.S. Navy, assigned to Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 13 in Gulfport, Mississippi. A 2014 graduate of Cordova High School, Johnson was inspired to join the Navy by his family's rich military history. "My whole family is from the military, so I just wanted to do my part and help our country," Johnson said. "It's a family tradition." Johnson's relatives have served across generations, including his brother, uncle, grandfather and cousins, all of whom have been in the Navy. Growing up in Rancho Cordova instilled in Johnson the values of hard work and community support – lessons he carries into his Navy service. "In the Navy, you have your select few people that you work with, and it's kind of tight-knit," Johnson said. "You just help everybody out. It's like your community." Reflecting on his six years of service – five on active duty and now his first year in the Reserves – Johnson recalls his proudest moment: providing hurricane relief in Lake Charles, Louisiana, in 2020. "Our unit sent us down there just for relief and to help out the people," Johnson said. "For me, it was giving back to the American people, and I thought that was really nice of our unit to send help out there like that." Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, Chief of the Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force, emphasized the importance of community service: "Our Reserve Sailors are integral to both their local communities and our national defense, exemplifying the Navy's core values through their dedication and service," Lacore said. Serving in the Navy holds deep significance for Johnson, aligning with his desire to give back to the nation. "Serving in the Navy, for me, is just giving back to our country and how much it gives us," Johnson said. "We're pretty lucky people in what we get to do every day – our freedoms. So I think it's giving back to our country for all those things that we're allowed to do." Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, highlighted the critical role of sailors like Johnson in maintaining national security. "Our sailors are the heart of our Navy. Their commitment and professionalism are what make us the most powerful naval force in the world," Franchetti said. Asked who he credits with guiding him to a career in the Navy, Johnson said, "Probably my crazy brother because I probably was going to join the Marines, and he was already in the Navy, so he convinced me to join the Navy."