Hometown news: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Jefferson

Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Jefferson, a native of Jacksonville, says his proudest accomplishment in the Navy is graduating from the P-8A Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.

“The goal of the course is to train aircrew to become experts in using the P-8A’s weapons systems and sensors and to lead complex military operations involving the aircraft,” Jefferson said in a recent hometown news story published by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Heidi Cheek with the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

Jefferson graduated from White Oak High School in 2019, joined the Navy six years ago and serves as a naval aircrewman (operator) assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26.

“Growing up in a military town taught me a respect for service, discipline and community,” Jefferson said. “That environment instilled in me a sense of responsibility and pride, values that are essential in the Navy. Understanding the lifestyle and mindset of military life helped make the transition smoother for me.”

The squadron flies and maintains the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multimission maritime aircraft. The aircraft provides long-range maritime patrol capability, and according to the report, “the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.”

Jefferson said that both his grandfather’s and his father’s military service inspired his decision to join the military. “My grandfather served in the Army in Vietnam, and my father served 12 years in the Marine Corps, and it seemed like a great idea to continue the legacy of military service.”

The Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year, and Navy officials are promoting its defense of freedom and protection of a maritime nation. Navy officials said that with 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on undersea fiberoptic cables, the nation’s prosperity is linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.

“The hard work and dedication of our sailors have been the driving force behind our squadron’s success, enabling us to remain mission-effective and ready at all times,” said VP-26 commanding officer, Cmdr. Taylor Barros in the report. “Their relentless commitment has shaped a forward-leaning team that consistently meets challenges head-on and excels in every operational environment.”

Jefferson said that he was grateful to others for supporting him in his Navy career.

“I would like to thank my wife, Salah, for supporting me through multiple deployments, missed birthdays and holidays,” Jefferson said. “Having a loving wife to come back to makes it a little bit easier.”