JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Lt. Caroline Baylosis, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 8 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Baylosis, a 2015 graduate of Granby High School, joined the Navy four years ago. Additionally, Baylosis graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Operations.
“I joined the Navy to carry on the family tradition,” said Baylosis. “My father, Ben Baylosis, retired from the Navy as a captain. I also have a lot of family members who served in the military in particular, both of my grandfathers, who immigrated from the Philippines to serve in the U.S. Navy. Their service inspired me to join as well.”
Today, Baylosis relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Norfolk to succeed in the military.
“My family and my mentor taught me the importance of hard work, humility and always paying it forward,” said Baylosis.
These lessons have helped Baylosis while serving in the Navy.
VP 8 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
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 Baylosis 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 paramount in maintaining the security of our coasts in land, air and sea, and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy around the world,” said Baylosis.
Baylosis and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and earning my ‘Wings of Gold,’” said Baylosis.
Naval aviators earn their “Wings of Gold” after completing aviation training and before being sent to their first command.
As Baylosis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a team that is with you through the good and bad and is constantly pushing you to improve upon yourself,” said Baylosis.
Baylosis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family, coaches and peers for all their support and guidance,” added Baylosis.