Engineering New Beginnings - Chicago Native Retires after 20 Years of Naval Service

Photo By Edward Jones | UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS – (September 23, 2022) Engineman First Class Petty Officer James W. Howes received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal which was presented by Executive Officer for Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio, CDR Stacey O’Neal during his retirement ceremony at VFW Post 4676, Universal City, Texas.  

UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

09.23.2022

Story by Edward Jones 

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS – (September 23, 2022) Accumulating twenty years of service, Engineman First Class Petty Officer James W. Howes, who currently served as a headquarters member of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio, retired from the United States Navy during a ceremony held in his honor at VFW Post 4676.

The love and admiration for Howes were on full display as family, friends, and members of NTAG San Antonio were on hand to celebrate his distinguished career. One common theme throughout the ceremony was Howes’ love for his family and the Navy.

Yeoman Petty Officer First Class (Sel) Joshua Paris served as the Master of Ceremonies, NTAG San Antonio Executive Officer Stacey O’Neal, the presiding officer, and Hull Maintenance Technician Master Chief (Ret.) Albert Cardenas, the guest speaker.

Howes enlisted in the United States Navy in November 2002, completed Machinery Repairman “A” school in Great Lakes, Illinois, and served on several ships.

Starting in 2005, Howes was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy (CV67) as a part of the decommissioning crew. While onboard, Howes earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare designation and converted to Engineman.

In addition to the John F. Kennedy Howes served aboard the USS Sentry (MCM 3), USS Scout (MCM 8) where he served as the ship’s Oil King after being promoted to Second Class Petty Officer, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS Somerset (LPD 25) where he served as the Main Propulsion Leading Petty Officer.

Additionally, Howes served for the Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) in 2010 as the Barge Engineer, Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Balboa as Facilities Manager and Sign Shop Leading Petty Officer, and his final tour as a Petty Officer, NTAG San Antonio.

Throughout his Naval career, Howes has earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency (3), Good Conduct Medal (5), National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service, Humanitarian Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment ribbon (4), and Pistol and Rifle ribbons.

The ceremony closed with Howes offering his admiration and thanks to his family, shipmates, and guests while offering a challenge to those still serving. “I challenge each of you to take care of your Sailors and train them to take your place,” said Howes.

NTAG San Antonio’s area of responsibility includes more than 30 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2022
• Date Posted: 09.23.2022 18:34
• Story ID: 430019
• Location: UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS, US