Jeffrey Militzer
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rion Codrington, Navy Office of Community Outreach
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Sprague, a former Hollywood, Maryland, resident, serves in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10).
Sprague graduated from Roosevelt Roads Middle High School in 2004.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hollywood.
“Growing up all over the world, I met many people from different backgrounds and learned that everyone has a story and something to offer,” Sprague said. “When I went back to the U.S., it was a culture shock to go back to a much more homogenous environment compared to those I saw overseas. I wanted to go back to the places I explored as a kid and do it all over again as an adult so I can see more.”
Sprague joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Sprague serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I grew up in a Navy household all over the world and always wanted to serve,” Sprague said. “Both of my parents are retired Navy chiefs. I am a fourth-generation service member on my father’s side and third-generation on my mother’s side. I grew up in Navy culture, heard all the sea stories and saw the camaraderie and potential to travel. Because I grew up with that experience, I felt that joining the Navy was the right move for me as I already belong there.”
VP-10 is one of the original and oldest aviation squadrons in the U.S. Navy. The squadron was originally formed in 1921 as a derivative of VS-15. However, it traces its official heritage to July 1, 1930, with the commissioning of Patrol Bombing Squadron 10S.
Members of VP-10 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 deploy 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.
Sprague has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I earned four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, but I’m most proud of my first one,” Sprague said. “It wasn’t your typical end-of-tour that you would normally receive. I was awarded for stopping a flight evolution on the USS James E. Williams. A bushing had worked free from its mount on the tail of the MH-60R we were fueling and the horizontal stabilizer was bounding closer and closer to the tail rotor. Contact between the tail rotor and the stabilizer would have been catastrophic. An aircrewman and I made the call to stop the flight and shut down the aircraft. Not only did we save the lives of the three in the aircraft as well as the 10 personnel on the flight deck that day, but it drove a corrective action throughout the fleet and changed operations.”
Sprague 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 is like being part of something that has always been in my life,” Sprague said. “I was born to a sailor and my children were born to a sailor. I enjoy serving and helping those around me while also showing my children what it means to work hard and be proud of what you do.”
Sprague is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My family has always been the biggest source of support, in empowering me to succeed in the Navy,” Sprague added. “My wife and children support me at home and my parents are my biggest champions. Without family supporting me through difficult deployments and career choices, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
Most importantly, Sprague enjoys the opportunity to shape the next generation of sailors in the Navy.
“I did a year of teaching after college, and while it wasn’t for me, I still had a passion for education,” Sprague said. “Helping young sailors learn their trade is my greatest joy in the Navy. With my role in safety and now in quality assurance, I feel my niche is to help others around me learn their trades and how to do them safely.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
