MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Patton-Jones, a native of Franklin, Tennesse, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, based out of Mayport, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Neigel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Patton-Jones, a 2002 graduate of Renaissance High School, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, but also coming from a military family, I wanted to join before I got too old and regretted not joining,” said Patton-Jones. “My mother, Patrica, retired from the Marine Corps as a gunnery sergeant and my cousin, Kenneth, previously served in the Navy as a ship's serviceman. They provided me with mentorship, guidance and support before coming in and still throughout my career.”
Today, Patton-Jones relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Franklin to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to always be humble, treat others with respect, and always lend a ‘listening ear,’” said Patton-Jones.
These lessons have helped Patton-Jones while serving in the Navy.
HSM 40 flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations, 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."
Serving in the Navy means Patton-Jones is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to our national defense not only stateside but also to our facilities all around the world, such as Greece, Japan and South Korea,” said Patton-Jones. “These are places where people are not fully aware where our Navy presence extends throughout the world.”
Patton-Jones and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making rank to petty officer first class and being nominated as Aviation Boatswain's Mate of the Year for 2023,” said Patton-Jones.
As Patton-Jones and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride and fulfilling responsibilities to mentor, lead and guide junior sailors, while still providing service to communities at large,” said Patton-Jones.
Patton-Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Command Senior Chief Daniel Hemmingway and Commander Michael Mosi,” said Patton-Jones. "They kept my fire going and kept pushing me to the top."
“I am currently a student at the University of Phoenix majoring in an associate degree in business with a graduation date set in December of this year,” added Patton-Jones.