Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Command Master Chief Conrad Hunt, his story has ties to Washburn, where he learned skills and values that are foundational to success in the Navy.
“Growing up in Maine in a farming community, the value and importance of hard work was instilled in me from a very young age,” Hunt said. “I had a close family friend who served in the Navy and made the opportunities very attractive as well as highlighted all the doors the Navy could open for me.”
Hunt graduated from Washburn District High School in 2002, and joined the Navy 23 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to accelerate my life,” Hunt said. “I joined right after the terror attacks of 9/11 and knew I wanted to serve my country and give back. I always wanted to get out of Maine and travel the world and the Navy made that a possibility.”
Today, Hunt serves as a command master chief assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron 122 onboard Naval Air Station Lemoore.
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.
Naval aviation provides 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.
Hunt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud to say that during my career I had the opportunity to serve aboard the USS Constitution,” Hunt said. “Teaching the public the importance, history and the need for the Navy and how it relates to today was very rewarding.
“In addition, becoming command master chief of a squadron has given me immense pride. I am able to help younger junior sailors achieve their goals. I can also advise the commanding officer on how different policies can affect the enlisted side of the team and try to make the plan of the day run as smoothly as possible,” he said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself. I wake up every day and give back in an effort to preserve and defend the U.S.,” Hunt said. “Every sailor works to complete the zero fail mission of safety and security of the world’s waterways.
Hunt is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my husband, Ben, for always being by my side and supporting me wherever the Navy has taken me over these past two decades,” Hunt said. “Serving in the Navy for over 20 years has had its challenges but also has given me many skills and leadership opportunities that are setting me up for my next journey after I retire.”
