LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Bryson Padgett, this story has ties to Mason, Texas, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“I played baseball, football and ran track in high school,” Padgett said. “I enjoyed being part of a team, working on a common goal and leading them to success. I had really great coaches that instilled a good work ethic and pride in me to never give up.”
Padgett graduated from Mason High School in 2016.
Padgett joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy looking to serve my country and give back to my fellow Americans,” Padgett said. “It is my belief that if you are able bodied and capable you should give everything you can to always help out and care for those who can't care for themselves.”
Today, Padgett serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
Carrier strike groups, and the embarked aviation squadrons, are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch Sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our Allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises, and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
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.
Padgett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the man the Navy has made me into,” Padgett said. I have learned so many amazing skills and work every day along with the brightest this country has to offer. I am proud that I pulled the trigger and made the best decision I could to set my future self up for success.”
Padgett serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
“Serving in the Navy means standing on your patriotic morals and values and being someone who can be depended on,” Padgett said. “Every sailor in the fleet does their part and gives back to protect and defend their loved ones and Americans back home.”
Padgett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Shannon, and dad, Branden, for raising me to be the man I am today,” Padgett said.