MAYPORT, Fla. – A 2002 Willowridge High School graduate and Houston native is one of 1,200 sailors who recently returned to Naval Station Mayport after a six-month deployment aboard USS Iwo Jima.

Petty Officer 1st Class Erwin Autry is a Navy aviation ordnanceman aboard the Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship, who recently deployed to the Middle East and Mediterranean areas of operation. For more than half of the sailors aboard Iwo Jima, the six-month journey served as their first deployment, according to Navy officials.

A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for maintaining ordnance and ammunition for the mission.

“You have to have that trust when dealing with ordnance," Autry said. “Trust in yourself and those you work with.”

Autry credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Houston.

“Growing up in Houston taught me to treat others the way you would like to be treated,” Autry said.

Iwo Jima made port calls in Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus; Aqaba, Jordan, and Malaga, Spain. The visits helped grow the strong alliance between the U.S. and its partner nations as well as providing an opportunity for the crew to experience cultures from around the world, according to Navy officials.

Deployed since Feb. 7 as part of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), the ship participated in exercises Juniper Cobra and Eager Lion. It also hosted a 10-day embarkation of Egyptian naval officers to discuss concepts of amphibious naval operations and strengthen partner nation capabilities.

"This deployment was the most high-tempo one I’ve experienced in my 25-year naval career,” said Capt. Joseph O’Brien, Iwo Jima’s commanding officer. “The entire Navy and Marine Corps team performed extraordinarily well in an incredibly dynamic environment throughout deployment. The sailors and Marines working on equipment, launching aircraft on the flight deck, conducting amphibious operations, navigating the ship and standing watch down in the plant were all at the absolute top of their game. This is an amazing group of sailors and Marines, and I am honored to serve with them.”

Though there are many ways for a sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Autry is most proud of completing the recent deployment.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Autry and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“Being in the Navy means providing safety for my family,” Autry said. “So many people live without thinking about the sacrifices service members make so they can be safe.”