Photo By Cathryn Lindsay | U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Reginald Hendrix, a native of Savannah, Georgia, deputy commander...... read more read more
U.S. Navy Capt. Reginald Hendrix, a native of Savannah, Georgia, deputy commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, recently promoted to the rank of rear admiral. Hendrix is a graduate of Savannah State University and credits his family and his Savannah upbringing as the foundation of his success.
“Savannah may not be known as a Navy town, but my heart has always been here,” said Hendrix. “Growing up in this community gave me a sense of loyalty and pride that has shaped my entire career.”
While studying at Savannah State, Hendrix enlisted in the Army Reserves to help pay for college but soon discovered the Navy’s Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program from a classmate.
“A friend of mine who was in the BDCP introduced me to the program and said, ‘Reggie, I know this program that will give you the opportunity to become an officer. You are enlisted now so why not become an officer in the Navy and they will pay you to complete your degree,'” said Hendrix.
Hendrix decided to join the BDCP and upon graduating from Savannah State, Hendrix earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Hendrix completed OCS, commissioned in 1993 and became a surface warfare officer.
During Hendrix’s active-duty career, Hendrix served aboard USS O’Bannon (DD 987) as a communications officer, auxiliary officer, and assistant chief engineer. Hendrix later joined the Navy Reserve in 2000, where he continued to rise through a variety of key roles. His reserve assignments included serving as executive officer for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station in Atlanta and commanding NR Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 Detachment Bravo, as well as Inshore Boat Unit 27. Hendrix was also selected as the first commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Boat Division 102 under the newly established NECC.
Hendrix traveled extensively throughout his three-decade career, fulfilling the Navy’s promise of "seeing the world" while gaining a broader perspective on life and leadership.
“Joining the military was my first real experience of traveling,” said Hendrix. “I got to visit places like the Middle East and South America, every port, every culture, from food to music, broadened my worldview,” said Hendrix. “It taught me to work alongside people from all walks of life and appreciate their perspectives.”
Balancing service as a Navy reservist with a civilian career has presented unique challenges said Hendrix.
“Life as a reservist is like a three-legged stool, you have to balance your family, you have to balance your civilian job, and oh, by the way, there's the Navy reserves,” said Hendrix. “But what I found is that my family was very supportive, my job was very patriotic and supportive of the military and I had a great Navy leadership team who understood and took my personal situations into consideration and it all balanced out in the end.”
Reflecting on his career, Hendrix attributes much of his success to the support he received from his hometown. “Savannah has always been the community that believed in me, and my family has been by my side every step of the way,” he said. “It’s a place where you grow up valuing family, faith, and integrity, and I’m honored to carry those values with me in the Navy.”
For people who may be considering naval service in Savannah, Hendrix offers a simple but powerful piece of advice. “The Navy provides unmatched opportunities to grow, see the world, and make a difference,” Hendrix said. “Savannah has given me so much, and I’m proud to represent this city in everything I do.”
Hendrix’s impressive list of decorations includes the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal, among others. However, it’s his connection to Savannah that stands out most to him. “Achieving the rank of rear admiral as a native son of Savannah is a tremendous honor,” said Hendrix. “I hope I can inspire others from this city to believe in themselves and take on challenges they may never have imagined.”
For more information about Rear Adm. Hendrix and his service, visit https://www.navy.mil/Leadership/Flag-Officer-Biographies/BioDisplay/Article/3923727/rear-admiral-reginald-hendrix/.
| Date Taken: | 10.28.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.28.2024 12:55 |
| Story ID: | 484053 |
| Location: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 351 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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