Life Preserver
JAMISON'S BIO
Jamison Ware grew up all over the world. With two parents in the armed forces, he had the opportunity to see countries most people only dream of. Every time he moved, he reinvented himself to make new friends in new schools to make a new home from scratch. He admits that it was difficult to discover his own identity, until he found the beach. Growing up in Florida, Ware became a lifeguard on the Swift water rescue team of Okaloosa County Beaches. It was here that Ware found his identity. And when he joined the Navy’s Aviation Rescue Swimmers, he found his purpose.
Ware excels at his job, taking each challenge and fear with resolute determination. After countless search and rescue missions, the Navy has taught him a profoundly valuable lesson: happiness is achieved when you put other people first. Today, this selflessness gained as a rescue swimmer is not only part of his job, it is part of his life.
Ware volunteers in the San Diego community every week, feeding the homeless and reading to underprivileged children. Giving back, supporting, defending, uplifting all others, is the way he lives every day. Selflessness was sparked by Ware’s youth, forged in the Navy and continues to pervade every corner of his life through the kindness of his spirit.
Life Preserver
AVIATION RESCUE SWIMMER
As an Aviation Rescue Swimmer (AIRR) you will join a team dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Leaping from helicopters, swimming through raging seas, and saving victims whose lives are on the line, you will complete search and rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. The motto of an Aviation Rescue Swimmer is, “so others may live.” It is a testament to not only the selflessness of this job, but the honor, courage, and commitment it takes to do it well.
AIRR Video
MORE EPISODES
The Fighter
Kaylah Gillums's dad taught her how to box. The Naval Academy taught her to fight.
The Protector
When disaster strikes, Aircrewman Esmelin Villar leaps into action to save lives.
The Quiet Professional
Silence is a weapon. And no one wields it better than SWCC Boat Operator Nick O’Sullivan. Meet one of the Navy’s best kept secrets now.
The Provider
When Ana Monterrosa became a single mother at 18, everyone told her to stop chasing her dreams, but Ana knew she was capable of more.
Snipe
Engineman Desirae Martinez rolled up her sleeves to become one of the Navy’s first female Mark VI Patrol Boat coxswains.
The Bridge
After a traumatic accident, Hospital Corpsman Dominique Velazquez made a miraculous recovery and joined the Navy to pay it forward.
Liberated
Health Care Administrator Diana Tran-Yu proudly serves the country that gave her freedom.
The Lens
Photographer Kathleen Gorby tells the Navy’s story through the lens of her camera.
Homecoming
Doctor treats infectious diseases worldwide—including her childhood home of Liberia.
The Interpreter
Digging for purpose didn’t happen in her own backyard—it took her all the way to Bahrain.
The Seventh Sailor
Home's hard to leave. This Sailor watched 6 siblings join the Navy before it was his turn.
The Wallflower
Sometimes, it takes four legs to remind you how important your purpose is in the world.
Stuntwoman
Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut."
The Achiever
For one homeless teen, a Navy education offered a chance to make the world a better place.
El Oyente
Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy.
Junior
Michael Benitez thought he was leaving family behind but found a new one joining the Navy.
THE WALK-ON
Some train to play college football, but former SEAL Damian Jackson simply walked on.
Selfless
When this Sailor must leave her family to ensure their future, her strength is tested.
Lifeline
Being curious changed this Sailor's mind about the Navy. Then it changed her life.
The Ascender
A life of relocation and instability set him up to fail, but the Navy ensured his success.
Dirt Sailor
This Sailor learned the importance of a meaningful life while staying true to his roots.
The Driver
As a Navy Reserve Sailor in America's Navy, he’s also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.
Momma Bear
She juggles multiple roles with pride and proves you can accomplish anything in the Navy.
Miss Congeniality
In remaining an individual, she exemplifies the strength in staying true to yourself.
Citizen No. T399836
Sailor uses personal struggles by giving back to the country that gave his family so much.