Butler Jr. retiring from U.S. Navy

PLAQUEMINE – James F. Butler Jr., a native of Plaquemine, and the son of James F. Butler Sr. and the late Angel N. Smith Butler, will retire from the United States Navy on Nov. 30.

Butler enlisted on Nov. 3, 1987 at the age of 17 reporting to “Boot Camp” in Orlando, Fla. where he graduated Recruit Training in Jan. 1988 as an Airman Apprentice.

After completing Basic Aviation Electronics Technician “A” school in the top of his class, he reported to NAS Oceana, Va. for his initial military duty.

As a young Sailor, he completed significant deployment time onboard Navy Aircraft Carriers USS John F. Kennedy and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Persian Gulf War and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

His perseverance and attention to detail over many years led to his advancement up the ranks to Senior Chief Petty Officer, while earning his Enlisted Aviation/Surface Warfare Specialist designations.

A devotion to military duty has taken Butler to multiple Naval Air Stations to include Sigonella, Sicily, Oak Harbor, Washington and San Diego where he once again deployed on carriers USS John C. Stennis and USS Nimitz.

Diligent efforts were instrumental in leading and mentoring hundreds of junior sailors throughout his career.

Butler’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal four times, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal five times, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal twice, Navy Battle “E” twice, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon five times, Navy Overseas Service Ribbon and many more.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Butler’s managerial ability and personal initiative reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service culminating a remarkable 26 years of military service.