VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Hutchison, a native of Middletown, Rhode Island, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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Hutchison graduated from Middletown High School in 2000.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Middletown.
“I was raised in a military family, so I had to learn how to be able to adapt to new environments,” said Hutchison. “Moving around all the time makes you a resilient person.”
Hutchison joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, Hutchison serves as a personnel specialist.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill a family tradition,” said Hutchison. “Aunts, uncles, and my parents all served in the Navy.”
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Hutchison serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Hutchison has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is knowing that I will be able to retire honorably,” said Hutchison. “I have been able to experience so much in the Navy. I have been a master-at-arms, quartermaster and personnel specialist.”
Hutchison can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I am a part of something bigger than myself,” said Hutchison. “Being a part of the community means a lot to me. Having a network of people who have my back adds richness to my life, it makes the Navy feel like a family.”
Hutchison is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” added Hutchison. “I wouldn’t be where I am without their mentorship. I have my grandfather’s anchors; I am just waiting to put them on if I become a chief.”