Shreveport native serves with one of the Navy’s newest tilt-rotor aircraft squadrons

Alvin Plexico
·3 min read
4

SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Charles Hawes, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.

Hawes joined the Navy three years ago.

“My grandpa was in the Navy,” said Hawes. "He was a surface warfare officer, and I knew I wanted to be in the Navy, too."

Growing up in Shreveport, Hawes attended Loyola College Prep and graduated in 2015. Hawes graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019 with a degree in mechanical engineering

Skills and values learned in Shreveport are similar to those needed to succeed in the military.

“You have to take care of your people, and they'll take care of you,” said Hawes. You have to respect others and find a way to work with different people.”

These lessons have helped Hawes while serving in the Navy.

VRM aircraft are the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. They are designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which have provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.

Lt. j.g. Charles Hawes, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Lt. j.g. Charles Hawes, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.

VRM aircraft are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.

According to Navy officials, the mission of VRMs is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.

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.

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"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."

Serving in the Navy means Hawes 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 do a lot of power projection and peacekeeping operations,” said Hawes.

Hawes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my wings,” said Hawes. “It's a lot of hard work and late hours. Being instructed by great officers and making the right decisions means a lot to me and will help set me on the right path for my career.”

As Hawes and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a higher sense of purpose,” said Hawes.

Hawes is thankful for those back home who helped him get to where he is today.

“I'd like to thank my dad, Charles, my little brother, Garrett, my step-mom, Diane, and my grandmother, Anne,” added Hawes. "Thank you for supporting me. It's been a long road to get to where I am, and it means a lot to know that they're always thinking about me."

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport native serves with new Navy squadron