SAN DIEGO - Lt. James Putko, the son of Cape Neddick, Maine, residents, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), where the Navy’s surface warfighters increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.
Putko graduated from the Taft School in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cornell University in 2019.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Putko graduated from the Taft School in 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Cornell University in 2019.
Putko joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Putko serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of service,” Putko said. “Both my parents were in the Army and my two older brothers served in the Navy. My other siblings serve as well, just in different ways. My sister works in health care, and my other sister is a teacher. I also have an older brother who is an astrophysicist. There are many forms of service outside of the military, and everyone can contribute in their own way.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Putko has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of going on a COVID deployment aboard USS Port Royal,” Putko said. “I was with the same group of sailors for nine months because nobody was allowed on or off the ship. It was a moment when you really had to persevere mentally, and I am proud of it because it was a bonding moment for our team. We had each other’s backs and supported one another. I am proud that we got through that, and any other job I do after will pale in comparison.”
Putko 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 tradition,” Putko said. “There is so much tradition in maritime history and it is cool that we are still adhering to those traditions. On a smaller scale, it also means continuing my family’s tradition of service. I am paying homage to those who came before me and my service is a point of connection to them. Serving in the Navy is also a privilege because it has given me experiences that will influence the rest of my life in a positive way.”
Putko is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Chris and Michele Putko, for instilling a sense of service in me,” Putko added. “I also want to thank my siblings, Chris, Bobby, Marie, Joseph and Catherine, for being the five best examples for me.”
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of service,” Putko said. “Both my parents were in the Army and my two older brothers served in the Navy. My other siblings serve as well, just in different ways. My sister works in health care, and my other sister is a teacher. I also have an older brother who is an astrophysicist. There are many forms of service outside of the military, and everyone can contribute in their own way.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Putko has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of going on a COVID deployment aboard USS Port Royal,” Putko said. “I was with the same group of sailors for nine months because nobody was allowed on or off the ship. It was a moment when you really had to persevere mentally, and I am proud of it because it was a bonding moment for our team. We had each other’s backs and supported one another. I am proud that we got through that, and any other job I do after will pale in comparison.”
Putko 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 tradition,” Putko said. “There is so much tradition in maritime history and it is cool that we are still adhering to those traditions. On a smaller scale, it also means continuing my family’s tradition of service. I am paying homage to those who came before me and my service is a point of connection to them. Serving in the Navy is also a privilege because it has given me experiences that will influence the rest of my life in a positive way.”
Putko is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Chris and Michele Putko, for instilling a sense of service in me,” Putko added. “I also want to thank my siblings, Chris, Bobby, Marie, Joseph and Catherine, for being the five best examples for me.”