Waseca native serves with U.S. Navy patrol squadron

Petty Officer 2nd Class Kennedy Hodgkins, a native of Waseca, Minnesota, serves the United States Navy, assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 16.

Hodgkins graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 2019.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Waseca.

“I learned how to navigate through life experiences on my own,” said Hodgkins.

Hodgkins joined the Navy four years ago. Today, she serves as a naval aircrewman (operator).

“I joined the Navy to leave my hometown and to become independent from my parents,” said Hodgkins.

Members of VP 16 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 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.

Hodgkins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment has been earning my instructor qualification,” said Hodgkins. “I’m proud of that because now I get to teach junior sailors and pay back the ones who taught me.”

Hodgkins serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world, and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“I am the first woman to join in a long line of family members who have served in the military,” said Hodgkins. “It makes me feel unique because none of my sisters wanted to do it and I never thought I would, but I feel like I can truly relate to my father and grandfather now.”

Hodgkins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my father, former Air Force Capt. Troy Hodgkins, for always pushing me while I was growing up to not be lazy and keep going forward in life when things get tough,” said Hodgkins.

“I am 10 credits short of earning my bachelor’s degree in intelligence studies,” added Hodgkins.”When I get my degree, I would like to apply for a commission and become a pilot.”