JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Peddycoart, a native of Hamshire, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Peddycoart graduated from Hamshire-Fannett High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hamshire.
“The biggest lesson I learned in my hometown was the importance of hard work and discipline,” Peddycoart said. "With a good work ethic, and the discipline to work hard for something whether you feel motivated to or not, you can accomplish anything."
Peddycoart joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Peddycoart serves as a naval aircrewman .
“I joined the Navy to be part of something bigger than myself and to give back to the country that has provided me with all the opportunities and freedoms I have today,” Peddycoart said.
Members of VP-26 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 deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
“The hard work and dedication of our sailors have been the driving force behind our squadron’s success, enabling us to remain mission-effective and ready at all times,” said VP-26 commanding officer, Cmdr. Taylor Barros. “Their relentless commitment has shaped a forward-leaning team that consistently meets challenges head-on and excels in every operational environment.”
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.
Peddycoart has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment has been seeing those that I have helped train grow personally and professionally,” Peddycoart said. "Sharing my knowledge and experience to pass down to the next generation of aircrewmen who will replace me is my biggest focus now."
Peddycoart serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8, is what Naval service means to me,” Peddycoart said. "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And, who will go for us? And I said, 'Here I am. Send me.' It means don't wait around for someone to volunteer for you. If you are called to serve, do it. Do it well and without expectation of recognition and reward. That is what service is all about to me."
Peddycoart is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Madeline and Charles,” Peddycoart said. "They taught me to serve others and give back because of all that I have been given. They taught me the values of hard work, discipline and integrity. These values made me the man I am today."