JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Lt. Theodore Hastings, a native of Tucson, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Hastings graduated from Sabino High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tucson.
“One lesson I learned from my hometown was to dream big because no goal is insurmountable with hard work and dedication,” Hastings said.
Hastings joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Hastings serves as a pilot.
“I was looking for personal growth and wanted to be part of something meaningful,” Hastings said. "The thrill of flight and protecting the ones I love inspired me to pursue Naval Aviation."
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.
Hastings has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is completing a six- month deployment in Sicily as a naval aviator October 2024 to April 2025,” Hastings said. We had an impact on real-world operations by providing information to allies in the region.
Hastings 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 sacrifice, honor and the ability to help keep this great land free,” Hastings said.
Hastings is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my beautiful girlfriend, Julia, for helping me through many challenges,” Hastings said. "I also want to thank my mom, Sandy, my dad Mark, and my brother, Matt, for their support through hard times."
“I have been to six countries, lived in four states, received world-class flight training and met my life partner because of the Navy,” Hastings added.