Elyria native Warren Wiedemann serving with U.S. Navy in Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Warren Wiedemann, an Elyria native, currently serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Patrol Squadron VP-16. Wiedemann graduated from Elyria West High School in 1995. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elyria. "I learned the importance of a strong work ethic," Wiedemann said. "Shoveling snow in the winter and mowing grass in the summer taught me the importance of working hard. I also had great examples of hard work with lots of people in my area working in the factory." Wiedemann joined the Navy 30 years ago. Today, Wiedemann serves as a command master chief. "There was an ad in the newspaper, and I was looking for an aviation job," Wiedemann said. "My recruiter was very persistent. They're good at doing their job, and I'm glad they were." Members of VP-16 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy's P-8A Poseidon multimission 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. "I'm proud of each of our squadron teammates who support our mission of providing competent sailors and capable aircraft to deter in peace and win in war," said VP-16 commanding officer Cmdr. Jake Weinzatl. "These men and women respect each other and value one another's contributions, winning as a team, not as individuals, and I'm honored to serve with them." The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. According to Navy officials, "America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America's warfighting navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom." 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across America. Wiedemann has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. "My proudest accomplishment is helping others," Wiedemann said. "I'm a believer in servant leadership. I'm here to help people find the resources they need to succeed." Wiedemann 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 means patriotism and dedication," Wiedemann said. Wiedemann is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. "I want to thank all my friends and family who supported me and the veterans back home who laid the foundation for our service today," Wiedemann said.