JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Master Chief Petty Officer Eric Smith, a native of Slocomb, Alabama, 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 Brian Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Smith, a 1993 graduate of Geneva County High School, joined the Navy 30 years ago.
“My grandfather enlisted in the Navy and later became an officer in the Army Air Corps,” said Smith. "Listening to his stories at a young age, I knew I wanted to join the military."
Today, Smith relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Slocomb to succeed in the military.
“I learned that hard work and relationships with people are very important to success, regardless of what career path you choose,” said Smith.
These lessons have helped Smith 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 Smith 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 world is 70 percent water and in order to protect the nation, we have to control the seas,” said Smith.
Smith and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is achieving the position of a command master chief,” said Smith. "A command master chief is the most inspirational position to all sailors at a command."
As Smith and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I think young Americans who choose to join the military are the best of the best that this Nation has to offer,” said Smith. "The best part of serving is the camaraderie we build with our shipmates."
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my wife, Rachel, for going on this journey with me for the last 17 years,” said Smith. "I would also like to thank my mom and dad for always being loving and supportive of me joining the Navy."
“I would finally like to thank my fellow "Fighting Tigers" of VP 8,” added Smith. "Serving with them has truly been the biggest honor of my lifetime."