Meet Yonyea Evans
A move, a yearning, a credential, and a passing test grade set Yonyea Evans on a course that would change the direction of his life’s career.
The Making of a Merchant Marine
Yonyea Evans is on course to do great things. Two years ago, he was a 21-year-old juggling two jobs to support his mother, twin sister, and himself. Although he acted as the head of household in their Tidewater Gardens apartment, he was drifting, always looking for a better job when his 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift at Dunkin’ Donuts ended and before he reported to work at Walmart.
Things soon changed for the better. When the family moved to Hampton Boulevard near Naval Station Norfolk, a new opportunity opened for Mr. Evans.
Brittany Sutton, a People FirstUSI workforce specialist was already working intensely with Yukeeta Evans, Mr. Evans’ mother, to help her find employment in the health care industry. After completing the “Thriving Tuesdays” program offered by People FirstUSI to assist residents in their job search, Ms. Evans did indeed secure a job. With his mother working, Mr. Evans was able to carve out time to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card required for workers who need access to restricted areas at maritime facilities and vessels.
Having the TWIC card was the first step on Mr. Evans’ path to becoming a seaman in the Merchant Marines, a position Ms. Sutton told him about and encouraged him to apply for.
“I was just trying to do something with my life. The merchant seaman opportunity came along, and I read some research about it and decided to go ahead,” said Mr. Evans.
Ms. Sutton introduced him to an instructor at the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy in Norfolk, the vocational training center for merchant mariners. After completing a 160-hour course that taught him the basics about the duties and responsibilities of a seaman, Mr. Evans passed the exam that followed and graduated on May 9. In the audience cheering him on were his mother, Yukeeta Evans, and Ms. Sutton.
“I’m glad she came,” Mr. Evans said of Ms. Sutton. “I couldn’t thank her enough for helping me get this position. I’m so
grateful for everything she has done.”
Mr. Evans went on to an internship at Nauticus, the City’s maritime discovery center, where he received 80 hours of training on the battleship USS Wisconsin. As soon as he gets a work assignment, he’ll be ready to set sail.
“I’m looking forward to this new experience,” said Mr. Evans, now 23. “My intentions for doing this are bigger than me. I
just want to do good and help my family and support myself.”
His mother named him after an artist in the popular R&B group “Boyz II Men,” and Mr. Evans believes he’s finally living up to the name by finding a career path that will open new horizons.
“My mom is so proud; she can’t stop talking about it,” he said.