MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Master Chief Petty Officer Jason Stevenor, a native of Peoria Heights, Illinois, will retire from the U.S. Navy after 21 years of honorable and dedicated service, July 31.
Stevenor, a 2002 graduate of Peoria Heights High School, joined the Navy 21 years ago. Additionally, Stevenor graduated from Liberty University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law and a Masters of Jurisprudence in 2022.
"I joined the Navy to serve my country," said Stevenor. "I also have a family history of military service and decided on the United States Navy to continue the tradition."
Skills and values similar to those taught during Stevenor's upbringing are important to succeed in the military.
"I came from the 'small town feel' of Peoria Heights, and that feeling continued during my Naval Service," said Stevenor. "I served on several smaller ships where the sense of belonging and camaraderie was prevalent."
Today, Stevenor serves as the Command Master Chief for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 "Magicians" aboard San Diego, California.
"The most rewarding thing about looking back on my career as I prepare to retire, is the sailors I was able to help, guide and mentor," said Stevenor. "Working with junior sailors has been the best part of the job."
HSM 35’s mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environment flying the U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Stevenor is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
"The Navy continues to be a strong force prepared at all times to answer our nation's call," said Stevenor.
Stevenor has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am proud to have completed 21 years of service and to have served as a Command Master Chief," said Stevenor. "They say that being a CMC is less than one percent of the Navy population, and to have been selected to serve in this role at several commands has been an accomplishment that I'll cherish for the rest of my life."
As Stevenor and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"Serving in the Navy has given me a chance to serve my country, start a family, complete an advanced education and serve alongside our country's finest men and women," said Stevenor. "I am forever grateful for the people that the Navy has introduced me to."
"As I prepare to retire and return to Central Illinois, I would like to include that being the Senior Enlisted Leader at this command is and has been an honor," added Stevenor. "I've enjoyed leading sailors and advising senior officers on enlisted matters. I have served on five ships; one frigate, three minesweepers and one Littoral Combat Ship. I've also traveled to five continents and around 35 countries."