A Jacksonville native is playing an important role in supporting one of the U.S. Navy’s most elite aviation training missions while serving thousands of miles from his Arkansas hometown.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Squires, a 2020 graduate of Lonoke High School, serves as a master-at-arms assigned to the Security Detachment at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada, home to the Navy’s world-renowned TOPGUN program and the nation’s premier tactical air warfare training center.
Squires, who joined the Navy six years ago, is part of the team responsible for protecting one of the military’s most important aviation training installations, where Navy and allied forces prepare for real-world combat operations.
Arkansas Values Shape Navy Career
Squires credits the lessons he learned growing up in Jacksonville with helping him succeed in military service.
“Some of the lessons that have stayed with me the most are the importance of ethics and hard work,” Squires said.
He said helping his family while growing up taught him responsibility, dependability and pride in doing things the right way.
“Those experiences taught me to take pride in doing things the right way, even when no one is watching. They also showed me the value of being dependable and putting in effort, which are lessons I still carry with me today.”
Choosing the Navy
While many of his classmates chose other branches of military service, Squires wanted an opportunity to see more of the world.
“I joined the Navy to experience more of the world,” he said.
Although he participated in Army Junior ROTC, Squires decided the Navy offered unique opportunities for travel and adventure.
“Everyone joins the Army or Air Force, but not everyone considers the Navy because it can take you a lot further from home.”
His decision has already taken him overseas.
Squires previously lived in Japan during his Navy career and hopes to return to an overseas assignment in the future.
“I wanted to travel, make memories and have stories I could share with my family and friends.”
Protecting America’s Premier Aviation Training Center
Naval Air Station Fallon occupies a unique place within the U.S. Navy.
The installation is the only facility in the world where entire carrier air wings can train together in highly realistic combat environments.
NAS Fallon is home to 21 tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC), which oversees several advanced aviation training programs—including the legendary TOPGUN school.
Originally established in 1969 during the Vietnam War, TOPGUN dramatically improved the combat effectiveness of U.S. naval aviators and has since become internationally recognized through both military achievements and the blockbuster films released in 1986 and 2022.
The aircraft and personnel trained at NAS Fallon support aircraft carrier strike groups deployed around the globe.
Supporting a Global Mission
As a master-at-arms, Squires helps maintain security and good order while supporting the Navy’s worldwide mission.
He says helping others remains the most rewarding part of his job.
“I am most proud of my job because it allows me to help people who are in need while also maintaining good order and discipline within my ranks.”
“It gives me a sense of purpose knowing that I can make a positive difference in the lives of others, contribute to the success of my team and support the mission we’re accomplishing both here and around the world.”
Carrier strike groups remain one of America’s primary tools for projecting military power worldwide, capable of deploying rapidly without relying on foreign land bases.
Celebrating 250 Years of Service
This year, the Navy is commemorating its role in America’s history as the nation celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than two centuries, the Navy has defended freedom, protected global commerce and ensured the security of international waterways critical to the American economy.
With approximately 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea, Navy leaders continue emphasizing the importance of recruiting talented men and women from communities across the country.
Serving Something Bigger
For Squires, military service represents more than a career.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something greater than myself.”
He said the Navy has strengthened his commitment to teamwork, discipline and helping others while providing opportunities to serve around the world.
“The Navy has given me a sense of purpose by allowing me to contribute to my team, support important missions and make a positive impact both here and around the world.”
Thankful for Support Back Home
Squires said he remains grateful for the encouragement he has received from family and friends throughout his military career.
“I would like to thank my family and friends for supporting me and helping me get this far. Their encouragement has motivated me throughout my journey, and I know they will continue to inspire me to go even further in the future.”
For residents of Jacksonville and Lonoke County, Squires’ story serves as another example of Arkansans making meaningful contributions to the nation’s military while representing their hometowns with pride.
