Band of Brothers Deploy, Serve Together Aboard USS Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are deployed away from their families and best friends Jan. 22, Sailors who are as close as brothers are serving together.

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman James F. Jones, assigned to the 'Checkmates' of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, and his best friend since birth, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Cody J. Loskot, assigned to the 'Screwtops' of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, are among the lucky few who have the opportunity to serve side-by-side.

"Loskot has always been a great friend," said Jones. "It helps a lot to be around somebody close to me that will experience the same things while we deploy with the Big 'E'. It's great to have my best friend with me. I can't imagine what it would be like to do this alone. We'll have lots of exciting sea stories to pass down to our children and grandchildren."

Jones also happens to have a younger brother Jacob, stationed aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), who will embark on a deployment later in this year.

It was at the urging of his brother and a need for a sense of direction that Jones finally decided to join the Navy. The two brothers, along with Loskot, enlisted together on the same day. In order to be near one another, all three decided to go into the aviation field.

"If the Navy was good enough for my brother and Loskot to join, then it was good enough for me," said Jones. "The plan was to stay together as long as we could, and luckily we were all able to be stationed in Virginia.

The three Sailors grew up together in Hillsboro, Ill., where they spent their summers at the lake. Their tight bond remained strong throughout the years, providing them a significant lifeline to help them weather the challenges of boot camp and adjust to their new life in the Navy. Once they arrived in Great Lakes, Ill., the Jones brothers were placed in the same division. Although they were separated from Loskot, he was still close by.

As the 'big brother,' a role Jones said he takes seriously, being in the same division provided extra comfort to Jones as he was able to watch over his baby brother throughout their time at recruit training command.

"Boot camp was very challenging but rewarding at the same time because I was able to be there for Jacob," said Jones. "I've been looking out for him since we were kids. While we were in boot camp, I made sure I motivated him all the way to the end."

Although Jones says he was hesitant about joining at first, he is proud to follow in his family's footsteps. The Jones brother's grandfather, Jim Jones, served as a boat coxswain during the 1940's. His father, also named Jim, was an electrician's mate who served in the 1970's aboard USS Wasp (CVS 18).

"I grew up listening to sea stories from my Dad; we're third generation Sailors in my family," said Jones. "I hope our grandfather is smiling down from heaven. I'm proud to carry on our family's legacy; we're a true Navy family."

As for Loskot, he said nothing could be better than sharing his Navy adventure with two of his best friends.

"People join the Navy and end up acquiring lifelong friends," said Loskot. "Jones and I started out as friends and now have become family."

While Enterprise's deployment has given Jones a chance to spend more time with friends and share an experience that his brother will soon share, Jones said he also had to make sacrifices. He will be away from his wife and daughter, and he will miss the birth of his second child.

While Jones said he is upset about missing his daughter's birth, he knows Loskot will be there to help him make it through his time away from home.

"I'm going to miss my second child's birth, and it helps a lot being around somebody close to me that has experienced the same things," said Jones.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.