Sailor in the Spotlight: MC2 Jordan KirkJohnson

At some point driving to work, everyone has tuned their radio to American Forces Network Sigonella 105.9 “The Eagle.” One voice that you might hear is that of Mass Communication Specialist 2nd class Jordan KirkJohnson. She hosts the morning radio show on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.

KirkJohnson is one of four MCs and two interior communications electricians at AFN Sigonella. The station is located by the front gate at Naval Air Station I, under the giant antenna. AFN is the only radio or television broadcast available in more than 177 countries around the world where English language broadcast service is unavailable or inadequate.

While most of you are still dreaming and comfortable in bed, KirkJohnson has already begun her workday. She comes into work at 5:30 a.m. to get prepared for the 6 a.m. start time. The playlist for the day is sent to them at the station, so she comes in early to pull up the schedule.

Working at AFN is more than just sitting at a computer pushing play, hosting guests, and voicing monologues. There is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes.

“Each week I am on air for about 12 hours, so I basically have to prepare 12 hours of content,” said KirkJohnson. “The prepping is much harder than the actual show. When I come in the booth, it feels more like my break time. If you prep well enough, then the show can almost basically run itself.”

Using her creativity to produce radio commercials and graphics for television, in addition to the camaraderie of her colleagues, is her favorite part of the job.

Sigonella is KirkJohnson’s second tour in the Navy. Her first was aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) based out of Yokosuka, Japan. In a twist of fate, just prior to getting out of the Navy, she was offered orders to come to Sicily for shore duty and says she has zero regrets about taking them.

Her plans for the future are to finish her bachelor’s degree in communications, become a reservist, and pursue a second degree to become a dietician. She was inspired to follow this path after seeing her grandparents suffer from illnesses that could have been avoided if they had made better lifestyle choices.

As long as KirkJohnson is in Sicily, she is living the mantra of “Join the Navy, See the World” and has taken full advantage of traveling around Europe. She already has planned a Mediterranean cruise, a trip to London, and a World War II tour of Poland. She is also loving the cultural experience of living amongst Sicilians.

“You never get that lonely feeling because Sicilians are so loving,” said KirkJohnson. “I love how vibrant and expressive they are.”