MILLINGTON, Tn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Chief Petty Officer Brad Hinton, a resident of McBain, Michigan, supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy construction electrician.
“I previously was the leading petty officer for the Africa Detachment, Quick React Force AOIC, and Det Saginaw AOIC,” said Hinton. “But, with the recent frocking to chief my role will be altered in the future.”
Hinton is a 2004 McBain Public High School graduate and also earned a degree from Northwestern Michigan College in 2013 majoring in electrical energy.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100,000-strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition serving in the Navy Reserve, Hinton works at Newark Electric as a first step apprentice currently holding a foreman position.
“Out of all the things I juggle, keeping a balance is the most difficult,” said Hinton. “But, if it weren't for the support of my wife Tonya, most of my achievements wouldn't have been possible.”
As a Navy reservist Hinton serves with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 responsible for supporting allied forces within the Unites States Africa Command Area of Operations and United States Central Command Area of Operations.
Hinton is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Hinton is most proud of earning the title of chief petty officer.
“To earn the anchors, it took years of hardwork and dedication from me and my family's behalf,” said Hinton. “Times can get tough, but you just have to strap up the boots and get to work.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hinton who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hinton is honored to carry on that family tradition.
"Both of my grandpas served in the military and I strive to make them proud on a daily basis,” said Hinton.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hinton and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to uphold traditions and customs that sailors have been upholding for 244 years,” said Hinton. “I take great pride that I get to serve in the world's greatest Navy.”
“I previously was the leading petty officer for the Africa Detachment, Quick React Force AOIC, and Det Saginaw AOIC,” said Hinton. “But, with the recent frocking to chief my role will be altered in the future.”
Hinton is a 2004 McBain Public High School graduate and also earned a degree from Northwestern Michigan College in 2013 majoring in electrical energy.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100,000-strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition serving in the Navy Reserve, Hinton works at Newark Electric as a first step apprentice currently holding a foreman position.
“Out of all the things I juggle, keeping a balance is the most difficult,” said Hinton. “But, if it weren't for the support of my wife Tonya, most of my achievements wouldn't have been possible.”
As a Navy reservist Hinton serves with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 25 responsible for supporting allied forces within the Unites States Africa Command Area of Operations and United States Central Command Area of Operations.
Hinton is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the Nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Hinton is most proud of earning the title of chief petty officer.
“To earn the anchors, it took years of hardwork and dedication from me and my family's behalf,” said Hinton. “Times can get tough, but you just have to strap up the boots and get to work.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Hinton who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hinton is honored to carry on that family tradition.
"Both of my grandpas served in the military and I strive to make them proud on a daily basis,” said Hinton.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hinton and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to uphold traditions and customs that sailors have been upholding for 244 years,” said Hinton. “I take great pride that I get to serve in the world's greatest Navy.”