OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Airman Cheyeanne Schwarzott, a native of Orange Park, wanted self-stability, and to better herself with the opportunities the Navy provided.

Now, one year after joining the Navy, Schwarzott serves with the “Golden Swordsmen” of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 47, working with the Navy’s cutting-edge maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

“Life is good at this squadron,” said Schwarzott. “I've made a lot of friends, and we all work together like a second family.”

Schwarzott, a 2018 graduate of Ridgeview High, is an aviation structural mechanic with VP-47, a high-tech maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadron tasked with monitoring the world’s oceans in the state-of-the-art P-8A “Poseidon.”

“I take care of the aircraft's frame, and I fabricate metal for the skin of the plane,” said Schwarzott.

Schwarzott credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Orange Park.

“I learned the importance of shrugging off the bad days,” said Schwarzott. “It's not a bad life, just a bad day.”

VP-47's primary mission is to conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance as well as long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence gathering missions. They deploy around the world to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.

The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy’s newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, is a replacement aircraft for the legacy P-3C “Orion”. According to Navy officials, leveraging the experience and technology of the successful P-3C “Orion” with the needs of the fleet, the P-8A is designed to be combat-capable, and to improve an operator’s ability to efficiently conduct anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

As the Navy transitions to the full capacity with the P-8A “Poseidon”, the aircraft continues the work- horse tradition established by the P-3C “Orion”. The P-8A has a planned state-of-the-art open architecture mission system and next-generation sensors. These capabilities give warfighters added protection. The aircraft empowers the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A “Poseidon” has significant growth potential, with planned, phased-in technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity and higher-operating altitude.

“Not a lot of people know how the aircraft works because it's so new, and we're all coming together to learn the aircraft,” said Schwarzott.

Serving in the Navy means Schwarzott is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80% of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90% of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Schwarzott is most proud of being selected to the Blue Jacket of the Quarter board this year.

“It shows that I'm dependable to the squadron and to my shop, and I'm proud of the recognition that I've gotten,” said Schwarzott.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Schwarzott and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“I joined the Navy to get a head start in life, and the Navy has helped me form my individuality, as well as boost my confidence,” said Schwarzott.