ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class John Dobson, a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. The command is a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
Dobson joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Dobson serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world,” said Dobson. “I also joined because my grandfather, Bill Dobson, was a Chief Warrant Officer in the Navy, so I followed in his footsteps.”
In the news: Salute: Lakeland Native Continues A 123-Year Tradition Of Service Under The Sea
Growing up in St. Petersburg, Dobson attended Northeast High School and graduated in 2006. Today, Dobson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in St. Petersburg to succeed in the military.
“I learned in St. Petersburg that if you work hard, it will eventually pay off,” said Dobson. “Also, don’t forget to treat yourself every now and then.”
These lessons have helped Dobson while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 125 fly and maintain the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter.
According to Navy officials, the F-35C is designed with the entire battlespace in mind, bringing transformational capability to the United States and its allies. Missions traditionally performed by specialized aircraft (air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s.
For the first time in U.S. naval aviation history, radar-evading stealth capability comes to the aircraft carrier deck. The F-35C carrier variant sets new standards in weapon system integration, lethality, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring true multi-mission power projection capability from the sea, according to Navy officials.
In the news: Salute: Bradenton Florida Native Serves At Naval Air Technical Training Center
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent 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.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Dobson is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We are the world’s largest and strongest Navy,” said Dobson. “We provide safety of passage through international waters.”
Dobson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of painting a “show bird” design on the F/A-18 C Legacy Hornet aircraft,” said Dobson. “It was their last legacy, and the “show bird,” was shown in a “Car and Design – UK Edition” Magazine article.”
As Dobson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy has changed my view of the world,” said Dobson. “I love having the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures.”
Dobson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father, Robert Dobson, for being my inspiration and for making me the best man that I can be,” added Dobson. “I would also like to thank the good friends that I have been blessed with to have over the years.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.