LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Chief Petty Officer Max Hudgins, this story has ties to Olathe, Kansas, 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 |
“Growing up I played baseball, football and was on the wrestling team,” Hudgins said. “I enjoyed being part of a team with like-minded individuals and having other people depend on me.”
Hudgins graduated from Spring Hill High School in 2004.
Hudgins joined the Navy 19 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to follow in the footsteps of many of my family members,” Hudgins said. “The Navy provides technical training that I knew would set me up for a successful future.”
Today, Hudgins serves as an aviation machinist's mate assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, Lemoore 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.
Hudgins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being selected to the rank of chief petty officer,” Hudgins said. “During my time I have been able to help advance the careers of my junior sailors and now have watched 21 of my sailors join me in the rank of chief.”
Hudgins 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 giving back to my country that has given so much to me and my family,” Hudgins said. “Sailors wake up every day and go out on the front lines to ensure America's safety so that our families and friends can sleep soundly back at home.”
Hudgins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my entire family for supporting me over these past two decades,” Hudgins said.