NORFOLK, VA - Senior Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Fertig, a Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, native and a 2002 graduate of Lewisburg Area High School recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service.
Fertig joined the Navy in 2004 as an information systems technician. As a Navy information systems technician, his primary responsibilities were to manage communication operations and network systems while playing a vital role in everything from satellite communications to special intelligence and information warfare.
Fertig's first duty station was aboard the USS Gladiator (MCM-11), homeported out of Ingleside, Texas, where he executed major communication/network suite upgrades across three deployments among mine counter-measure rotational crews and individual augmentations. Over the next four years, Fertig’s role as an embedded tactical radio operator supported diverse maritime, ground, and air operations in theater across the Middle East.
From 2008 to 2012, Fertig served with VR-64 in Philadelphia, PA, overseeing networks and aircraft communications for three commands. His team managed flight planning and logistics, as well as provided IT support to various locations in theater. While leading an operations department responsible for planning C-130 aircraft missions worldwide, Fertig deployed seven times to locations including the Middle East, Sicily, and Japan.
In 2012, his next station took him to Commander Navy Reserve Forces Command in Norfolk, VA, followed by an assignment to Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO. His responsibilities included deployments to Panama City, Panama, and Jebel Ali, UAE, where he served as the Foreign Liaison Officer and Tactical Operations Center Watch Officer, managing operations of small combatant crafts providing tactical security for high-valued assets.
From 2018-2022, Fertig served as the Senior Enlisted Leader at Naval Operational Support Center Cincinnati. In this role, he led seven units and 350 Sailors while providing critical COVID-19 support to New York City and Naval shipyard relief efforts, while ensuring Sailor readiness and off-base security.
In 2022, Senior Chief Fertig joined SEAL Team EIGHTEEN as the Communications Officer where he led two high-speed teams managing networks, digital communications, and medical requirements while supporting personnel deployed across the globe
Fertig recalls one of his most memorable assignments, serving with J6 TACCOM in Djibouti, Africa.
“It was a humbling experience to witness firsthand the resilience of people living in some of the world's most challenging environments,” said Fertig. “This assignment has deeply enriched my gratitude for all that we have.”
His retirement ceremony took place aboard the decommissioned Battleship, USS Wisconsin (BB-64) berthed in Norfolk, VA. Among family, friends, and fellow shipmates, he contemplated how serving in the Navy has been an enriching and humbling experience and a privilege that he has now entrusted to the sailors still serving after him.
“Undoubtedly, the highlight of my career has been the opportunity to mentor and influence the next generation of Sailors,” said Fertig. “Witnessing their achievements—whether in skills, personal growth, or promotions—is truly the most rewarding aspect of my journey.”