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BY MEGAN BROWN

Navy Office of Community Outreach

MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Barnes, a native of Elizabethton, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30.

Barnes graduated from Happy Valley High School in 2016.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elizabethton.

“I learned growing up the importance of having the discipline to get jobs done no matter how bad they are,” said Barnes.

“The military is structured around discipline, so you have to have the mindset to get the job done because if you don’t know, one else will do it.”

Barnes joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Barnes serves as a hospital corpsman.

“I joined the Navy for the education benefits and I wanted to serve my country,” said Barnes.

Members of VP 30 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, 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 around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

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.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Barnes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of serving alongside Marines and earning my Fleet Marine Force Warfare device,” said Barnes. “It was a lot of work and long nights studying, so I was very proud when I earned it.”

Barnes 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 growing myself as a person,” said Barnes. “It is all about personal growth and development and taking pride in what you do.”

Barnes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my wife, Catilyn, because I couldn’t have gotten where I am today without her,” added Barnes. “She has been my rock and support throughout my entire career. I also want to thank my parents, Dave and Debbie, for instilling in me a strong sense of discipline which I have used to get me where I am today.”