GROTON, Conn. - Fireman Trevor Vaughn, a native of Oak Harbor, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Naval Submarine School at Naval Submarine Base New London.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Vaughn graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2017. Additionally, Vaughn earned an associate degree in art from Central Oregon Community College in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oak Harbor.
“Growing up in Oak Harbor, I learned a lot about the Navy in general and Navy life,” Vaughn said. “It’s not all fun. We’re here to do a job. It’s about 90% work and 10% fun.”
Vaughn joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Vaughn is training to serve as a fire control technician. Vaughn also volunteers in the Chaplain Center on base.
“I joined the Navy because both parents were in the Navy,” Vaughn said. “My dad retired as chief, and my mom retired as petty officer second class. I was looking for a better career for myself, and I figured that’d be the best way to go.”
What began as a naval yard and storage depot in 1868, Naval Submarine Base New London was designated the U.S. Navy’s first submarine base in June 1916. Known as the “Submarine Capital of the World,” the base is the homeport of nearly a dozen fast-attack submarines, and is the site of the Naval Submarine School and the Submarine Learning Center, where more than 27,000 enlisted sailors and officers train each year to serve aboard submarines.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Vaughn has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud I received the Honor, Courage and Commitment Award,” Vaughn said. “That’s been a good start to my career. It’s the Navy’s core value award. It embodies what the Navy’s looking for and what I strive to be.”
Vaughn serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means having a career and helping others,” Vaughn said. “I’m being the best I can be and I’m serving my country.”
Vaughn is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Emily Blonski and Cmdr. Gene Monnin for giving me a platform to demonstrate who I am and what I can provide to the Navy,” Vaughn added. “I’ve taken every advantage of every opportunity they’ve given me, leading volunteer groups or just being part of something. I want to thank my dad, Darren, he’s given me good advice on how to handle certain situations in the Navy from his own experience and how to talk to others.”
Vaughn plans to continue a career in the Navy and hopes to commission as a warrant officer to fly unmanned aerial vehicles.