PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2008 Chabsey High School graduate and Detroit native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Jones works as an aviation boatswain’s mate and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy aviation boatswain’s mate is responsible for preparing aircraft for launch and recovery on land and at sea.
“Hard work gets you everywhere you want to be,” said Jones, explaining that he gained the value of hard work growing up in Detroit.
NAS Pensacola, “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designations as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers.
It takes a lot of manpower to support and train pilots, but there is much more to this base that employs 16,000 military and 7,400 civilians. This includes major tenant commands: Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23, the Blue Angels, and the headquarters for Naval Education Training Command (NETC), a command which combines direction and control of all Navy education and training.
As the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy (DoN) NAS Pensacola provides base and operational support functions such as quality of life, administration, logistics, facilities, comptroller, management administration and operations (airfield, port, security, fire and search and rescue).
“I’m so proud of the entire team throughout our aviation enterprise,” said Capt. Christopher T. Martin, Commander Naval Air Station Pensacola. “The future of NAS Pensacola is bright, and we’re only going to continue to adapt and evolve as we prepare to efficiently deliver the very best readiness from the shore.”
“As sailors forged by the sea, we will continue to be the Navy the Nation Needs. One of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Lines of Effort is what we do best, strengthening our Navy team for the future,” said Martin.
Jones has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My uncle was a Marine," said Jones. "He served during the Vietnam War, but didn’t deploy to the area. I consider him one of the lucky ones.”
Jones is also proud of his Antarctic Service Ribbon.
“I had the chance to serve in Antarctica, which is a very unique experience,” he said.
Pensacola stands up to the expectations and provides a perfect environment for the workers and their families. The citizens benefit from all the modern world advantages, from schools and hospitals to recreational areas, theaters, cinemas and multiple services.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jones and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It gives me a sense of accomplishment to serve in the Navy," Jones added. "The Navy has no ceiling. There is always something more to achieve be it in your career or personal lives.”