LEMOORE, Calif. – Chief Petty Officer Kevin Galmore, a native of Jonestown, Mississippi, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. The command is a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base.
Galmore joined the Navy 20 years ago. Today, Galmore serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy because I felt like school wasn't the route for me,” said Galmore. "I still figured I needed to do something productive with my life, so here I am."
Growing up in Jonestown, Galmore attended Coahoma Agricultural High School and graduated in 2003. Today, Galmore relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Jonestown to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me the importance of community,” said Galmore. "It taught me that community and team are two sides of the same coin. When my town unites, the possibilities are endless."
These lessons have helped Galmore while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 125 fly and maintain the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter.
According to Navy officials, the F-35C is designed with the entire battlespace in mind, bringing transformational capability to the United States and its allies. Missions traditionally performed by specialized aircraft (air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s.
For the first time in U.S. naval aviation history, radar-evading stealth capability comes to the aircraft carrier deck. The F-35C carrier variant sets new standards in weapon system integration, lethality, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring true multi-mission power projection capability from the sea, according to Navy officials.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Galmore is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
"The Navy plays a critical role in national defense due to the vast expanses of oceans that cover a significant portion of the world, in providing sustenance and livelihood to countless people," said Galmore. "It is imperative that we maintain a strong Navy to safeguard not only our nation, but also to contribute to the security and stability of the entire global community."
Galmore and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a chief petty officer,” said Galmore. "I'm also proud of my passion for helping others consistently."
As Galmore and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Service in the Navy means you are doing something for the world,” said Galmore. “Its means being there for your shipmates and creating spaces where their success can flourish.”
“Success is defined by your state of mind, not your status,” said Galmore. “What good is a man who gains the whole world but loses their soul?”
Galmore is grateful to others for making a career in the Navy possible.
“I would like to thank my family, especially my mother, as well as Master Chief Kadesha Perry and Chief Casper Broadus,” added Galmore. "Their mentorship and guidance have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. I am incredibly grateful for their unwavering support."