PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2013 Calhoun High School graduate and Fort Deposit, Alabama, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Speights 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.
“Being from a rural area, I got a chance to be hands on. So hard work was a way of life. Hard work pays off in the end,” said Speights, explaining that he gained useful values growing up in Fort Deposit.
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.
Speights has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have four cousins serving all in the Navy," said Speights. "One of my cousins and I were stationed together last year. It was nice to have some family with me.”
Speights is also proud of his accomplishments in the Navy.
“Being promoted to third class was a big accomplishment and I got a Navy Achievement Medal for doing deck work at my last command,” 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, Speights and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy allows me to serve my country while providing for my family," Speights added. "It feels nice to make my family proud.”