Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevon Patterson, (Navy Outreach, Courtesy)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Trevon Patterson, a native of Kearney, Nebraska, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Patterson graduated from Heartland Christian School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kearney.
“For me, the biggest lesson growing up was to learn something new every day,” said Patterson. “This has taken me extremely far in not only my naval career but in life altogether.”
Patterson joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Patterson serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to fix aircraft and see the world,” said Patterson. “So far, I’ve been to Greece, Croatia, Italy and France.”
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
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.
Patterson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“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.”
Patterson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was earning the number one early-promote rating on my petty officer third class evaluation and then earning the rank of petty officer second class through the Navy’s meritorious achievement program,” said Patterson.
Patterson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Patterson. “It has allowed me to push myself to be better and do better every day.”
Patterson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandpa and grandma, Patrick and Cathy Kennedy, for their unconditional love and support,” added Patterson.
