Eddie Evans:
CLASS OF 1983
Milton High SchoolClass of 1983
Milton, FL
Eddie's Story
500 Missions and Counting
Jillian Wright
November 01, 2022
Not everyone can say they've worked on the MQ-4C Triton program since its inception, but Eddie
Evans can. Over the course of his career, he's worked on about 50 different airplanes. But Triton
will always hold a special place in his heart.
"It may not be the prettiest; it's like a giant albatross. But I've been with this U.S. Navy program
since 2004 when it began," he said. "I've been involved in over 500 missions with it."
Born during the Vietnam War Era, Eddie developed his passion for aviation at a young age,
growing up near Eglin Air Force Base in northwestern Florida.
"My family hunted a lot in the woods
where the U.S. Air Force trains the
rangers," he said. "I remember seeing
the F-4 Phantom with the teeth
stationed there. It got me interested in
airplanes early."
Knowing he wanted to work on aircraft,
Eddie enlisted in the Air Force in 1983
after high school. Starting out as an
aircraft electrician, he later crosstrained
into various disciplines
including avionics and hydraulics,
broadening his mechanical skillset.
After five years of service, Eddie returned home when his grandfather became...Expand for more
sick. He worked
on helicopters at a Navy base close to home, and then took a break from the industry when he
started a truck business with a friend.
"We were in business until I was injured in a car accident. That led me to putting myself through
airframe and power plant school," he said. "Earning my aviation mechanic certification brought
me back into aviation, and I've been here ever since."
Today, Eddie relies on his 38 years in aviation daily at Northrop Grumman, serving as
maintenance manager and Triton lead at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida.
"I do the day-to-day caring for my team as manager. I'm also considered a subject matter expert
on the Triton weapons system, so I work with the squadron, program office and various
engineering groups to operate and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the launch and
recover missions," he said. "One of our big jobs is to help the squadron learn how to handle and
operate this weapons system safely. We work alongside the sailors, transferring our experience
as much as possible."
For Eddie, the most meaningful part of his role is witnessing the program's progress despite a
number of obstacles.
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