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For Navy Airman Chastin Reddick Jr., the skills and values instilled during his upbringing in Winter Haven, Florida, serve as the baseline for his military career.
“Growing up, I learned to treat every interaction as an opportunity, to always understand the importance of time and to always try to find a solution,” Reddick said. “This has helped me in the Navy because I’m able to network and utilize the military community to accomplish my goals. Understanding the importance of time helps me make sure I’m managing my time to be an effective asset to whatever group I’m working with and not wasting anyone else’s time. I’m always trying to figure out a solution to any problem to benefit the team or group.”
Reddick graduated from Summerlin Military Academy in 2019 and enlisted in the Navy one year ago, continuing a multi-generational tradition of military service.
“I joined the Navy to create an opportunity and to build structure and discipline in my life, while also allowing others the ability to do so with my time and service,” Reddick said. “My dad was in the Navy, his father was a Marine and his father was in the Navy. I’m fourth-generation military, and I want to be the first to commission.”
Reddick works as an aviation electronics technician assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, known as the “Vigilantes,” stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore in California.
NAS Lemoore serves as the hub for Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. The installation houses more than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft and is the sole naval base hosting the F-35C Lightning II.
In his role supporting naval aviation operations, Reddick contributes to the deployment of carrier strike groups, which maintain forward presence globally to support national security objectives without reliance on shore bases.
Since joining the service, Reddick pointed to his initial technical training as his primary achievement so far.
“I’m most proud of graduating at the top of my class for ‘C’ school,” Reddick said. “I worked very hard to take each step and each moment in class to benefit not only myself but the squadron I’ll be attached to. I wanted to make sure I’m the most capable I can be so I can help amongst my peers.”
For Reddick, serving in the military carries a personal meaning tied to duty and public safety.
“For me, serving in the Navy means giving others alongside myself the opportunity and space to showcase their maximum potential, as well as giving the people within the country that I’m serving the benefits and everything this country has to offer while being at peace and not having to worry,” Reddick said.
He credits his personal support system for his success during his military tenure.
“I want to thank my family for the constant support and reassurance that they have provided in my life,” Reddick said. “I want to thank God for showing me grace, patience and the understanding I need to develop myself not only as a sailor but as a follower of Christ. I also want to thank my girlfriend for her constant motivation and support through my Navy journey and my future endeavors in life.”
While fulfilling his duties in the Navy, Reddick is actively pursuing higher education to prepare for his long-term career ambitions.
“I’m going to college at Fresno City College for my associate degree in health science,” Reddick said. “My overall goal is that I want to be a nurse practitioner.”
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Winter Haven Native Carries Family Legacy, Foundations Of Discipline In U.S. Navy
