About Me

Hello! I am Mailani (May-LAH-nee) Jones-Thornton, but you can call me ‘Mai’ or ‘JT.’ I am a new student to ODU pursuing my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Philosophy. I fell in love with understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, as well as exploring the deeper realities of identity, ethics, and human experience. I also serve as a Mass Communication Specialist (MC) in the U.S. Navy. Working in public affairs has changed how I pay attention to people, their stories and experiences, which naturally connects to my interest in psychology and philosophy.

Below I have attached photos of myself and some of my work during my time in the Navy!

Skyros, Greece (Dec. 2, 2023) U.S. Marines, assigned to 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU (SOC)), standby to board a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Dec. 2, in the Mediterranean Sea. Mesa Verde and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)
240102-N-RP467-1084 PIRAEUS, GREECE (Jan. 2, 2024) Grecian tug boat approaches the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), as the ship arrives in Piraeus, Jan. 2. Mesa Verde and 26th (MEU(SOC) are on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)
240102-N-RP467-2018 PIRAEUS, GREECE (Jan. 2, 2024) Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), man the rails as the ship arrives in Piraeus, Jan. 2. Mesa Verde and 26th (MEU(SOC) are on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)
PIRAEUS, GREECE (Jan. 5, 2024) Commanding Officer Marc E. Davis, center, observes as sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), stand watch on the bridge while the ship departs Piraeus, Jan. 5. Mesa Verde and 26th (MEU(SOC) are on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)
Sailors assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conduct flight operations with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Feb. 16. Mesa Verde and 26th (MEU(SOC) are on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Marvin Velarde, assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), conducts flight operations with an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26, Feb. 17. Mesa Verde and 26th (MEU(SOC) are on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S. allied and partner interests. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mailani Jones)