VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Gavin Barnes, a native of Hacienda Heights, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Airstation Oceana Air Operations operating from Naval Air Station Oceana.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Barnes graduated from Los Altos High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hacienda Heights.
“I learned from an early age to always be kind to others,” said Barnes. "'Kindness never ends' is written on my little brother's headstone and he was always the kind one."
Barnes joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Barnes serves as an aviation boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to answer the call of serving my country,” said Barnes. "I always wanted to do my part since I was a kid, and I couldn't see myself doing anything else."
Naval Air Station Oceana serves as the Navy’s East Coast Master Jet Base. The flight line, Apollo Soucek Field, is home to 17 aviation squadrons and hosts the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is 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.
Barnes 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."
Barnes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proudest of the fact that I'm available to others when they are going through something difficult,” said Barnes. "We all go through things and we all handle them differently, but someone has to be there to pick them up and put them back together."
Barnes can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Barnes. "I still want to be in this fight every day."
Barnes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment 2nd Class Payton Cetrulo, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment 2nd Class Jay Farmer and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Equipment 2nd Class Jarrett Iechad who had my back when my brother passed away at the age of 15,” said Barnes. "They took me in close and made sure I didn't do anything I would regret."
“I want to go to special operations for my next assignment,” added Barnes. "Ultimately, I want to be a Navy SEAL."