By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister
Navy Office of Community Outreach
MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Stewart, a native of Santee, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30. Stewart graduated from West Hills High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Santee.
“A great amount of my aviation knowledge came from working at the San Diego International Airport,” said Stewart. “They taught me about servicing and hand marshaling private jets.”
Stewart joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Stewart serves as a naval aircrewman operator.
“My childhood dream was to fly with naval aircraft,” said Stewart. “I chose the Navy because naval aviation lands on ships. It is very unique and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Members of VP 30 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Stewart has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is fulfilling my childhood dream to wear the uniform for my country,” said Stewart. “I am also proud of the award ribbons I’ve received.”
Stewart serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means protecting freedom of speech,” said Stewart. “Many Americans, especially in recent times, don’t realize that these rights still need our protection so that we don’t lose them.”
Stewart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” said Stewart. “I want to thank them for sticking alongside me as there were some struggles to try and join the Navy.”
“I want to give a shoutout to my cousin for supporting and encouraging me,” said Stewart. “He flew C-2 aircraft, and helped me in becoming an aircrewman.”
