March 12, 2025, Press Release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach:
SAN DIEGO - Lt. Wes Patton, a native of Lima, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy and is assigned to Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), where the Navy’s surface warfighters increase the lethality and tactical proficiency of the Surface Force.
Patton graduated from Bath High School in 2015. Additionally, Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering from Ohio State University in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lima.
“Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, humbleness and grit,” Patton said. “Lima is a very blue-collar community. It’s not fussy; you do your work, and you depend on each other in the community. They’re very salt of the earth people. Learning to be humble and approachable and being able to meet people where they are has been helpful. You can’t be afraid to put yourself in someone else’s shoes because they might be going through something. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and help.”
Patton joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Patton serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I joined the Navy for a sense of community and adventure,” Patton said. “I’m able to work with people from all walks of life from all across the United States. There’s something about the sense of adventure and being out to sea that’s awesome.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday 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% 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.
Patton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of certifying my last ship’s anti-terrorism program because we only had four weeks to accomplish three certifications with only two-thirds of the people available,” Patton said. “Our ship was moving to Japan and that was very stressful for everybody. I didn’t want the certifications to be a stressor. We got those done so we could focus on the move to Japan. It was very stressful, but I was very proud that we came through all those certifications with flying colors.”
Patton 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 embodying American values and ideals both at home and abroad,” Patton said.
Patton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve formed with my sailors, peers and superiors,” Patton added. “You meet people you would have never met otherwise who can give you a different perspective on life.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lima.
“Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, humbleness and grit,” Patton said. “Lima is a very blue-collar community. It’s not fussy; you do your work, and you depend on each other in the community. They’re very salt of the earth people. Learning to be humble and approachable and being able to meet people where they are has been helpful. You can’t be afraid to put yourself in someone else’s shoes because they might be going through something. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and help.”
Patton joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Patton serves as a surface warfare officer.
“I joined the Navy for a sense of community and adventure,” Patton said. “I’m able to work with people from all walks of life from all across the United States. There’s something about the sense of adventure and being out to sea that’s awesome.”
“SMWDC sailors exemplify the dedication, expertise and tactical excellence that drive the lethality of our Surface Force,” said Rear Adm. Wilson Marks, Commander, Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “Through their commitment to warfighting innovation and operational proficiency, they strengthen our Navy’s combat readiness and ensure that we remain ready to deter or defeat any adversary when our nation calls.”
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday 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% 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.
Patton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of certifying my last ship’s anti-terrorism program because we only had four weeks to accomplish three certifications with only two-thirds of the people available,” Patton said. “Our ship was moving to Japan and that was very stressful for everybody. I didn’t want the certifications to be a stressor. We got those done so we could focus on the move to Japan. It was very stressful, but I was very proud that we came through all those certifications with flying colors.”
Patton 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 embodying American values and ideals both at home and abroad,” Patton said.
Patton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve formed with my sailors, peers and superiors,” Patton added. “You meet people you would have never met otherwise who can give you a different perspective on life.”
