MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Hodson, a native of Northbridge, Massachusetts, serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), will participate in a namesake visit to Boston from Nov. 20 to Nov. 23.
A select group of John F. Kennedy Sailors will travel to Boston, Massachusetts, the birthplace of former President John F. Kennedy, for the fourth annual namesake visit.
This initiative aims to raise public awareness of the USS John F. Kennedy, the second ship named in honor of the former president and the second vessel in the Ford class. The visit is not only intended to increase sailors' understanding of the city connected to their ship's namesake but also create valuable opportunities for engagement with the Boston community and promote outreach efforts in the area.
Hodson, a 2021 graduate of Northbridge High School, joined the Navy three and a half years ago.
"No one in my family has served in the military, so I wanted to try something new," said Hodson.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Northbridge.
"Growing up in my hometown, I've realized family and friendships matter the most," said Hodson.
Today, Hodson serves as an aviation ordnanceman responsible for operating and handling aviation ordnance equipment.
This is the second aircraft carrier to honor President John F. Kennedy for a lifetime of service to the nation. The first USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) aircraft carrier served the fleet for over 50 years before decommissioning in 2007. John F. Kennedy wore our nation’s uniform as a Navy lieutenant during World War II before serving as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 to November 1963.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Hodson 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.”
Hodson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud of doing my first deployment and seeing what I do matters," said Hodson.
Hodson can take pride in serving America through military service.
"To me, serving means being the best I can and helping others," said Hodson.
Hodson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, father and my girlfriend for all their love and support," added Hodson.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For 101 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
Aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s ocean. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Hodson 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.”
Hodson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud of doing my first deployment and seeing what I do matters," said Hodson.
Hodson can take pride in serving America through military service.
"To me, serving means being the best I can and helping others," said Hodson.
Hodson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, father and my girlfriend for all their love and support," added Hodson.