Lt. Samantha Stearns, a native of Arnold, Maryland, is serving as a Maryland Navy pilot assigned to Patrol Squadron 26, where she flies the P-8A Poseidon aircraft on maritime patrol missions. Stearns, who graduated from Severn School in 2016 and earned a bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2021, joined the Navy four years ago and now contributes to global ocean monitoring efforts.
The Maryland Navy pilot credits her hometown for instilling values that align with naval service. “My hometown taught me to seek out new opportunities to step outside my comfort zone because that is where the most impactful growth happens,” Stearns said. “Growing up so close to the Naval Academy taught me to dream big and chase what makes me passionate. It’s helped me be comfortable in a multitude of environments; you kind of grow where you’re planted. It’s helped me make each new place my own.”
Stearns comes from a family with deep military roots, which influenced her decision to pursue a career as a Maryland Navy pilot. “I come from a big military family,” Stearns said. “My dad served for 43 years in the Navy; my grandfather and uncle also served in the Navy. My brother is in the Navy as well; he’s also a P-8A pilot at a different squadron. I have a cousin who is a Navy helicopter pilot in Norfolk. Growing up near Annapolis, I was surrounded by midshipmen, and I saw their passion for service and felt myself called to do the same.”
Patrol Squadron 26, known as the Tridents, operates from Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida and deploys worldwide to support anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. The squadron recently completed a deployment to Naval Air Station Sigonella in Italy, showcasing its role in monitoring strategic maritime areas. As a Maryland Navy pilot in VP-26, Stearns operates the P-8A Poseidon, a Boeing 737-based aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, torpedoes and Harpoon missiles for long-range patrols. The P-8A can reach altitudes of 41,000 feet and speeds up to 490 knots, enabling extended missions to secure sea lanes vital for 90% of global commerce.
“The hard work and dedication of our sailors have been the driving force behind our squadron’s success, enabling us to remain mission-effective and ready at all times,” said VP-26 commanding officer, Cmdr. Taylor Barros. “Their relentless commitment has shaped a forward-leaning team that consistently meets challenges head-on and excels in every operational environment.”
Stearns’ path as a Maryland Navy pilot reflects broader military ties in her home state. Arnold, located near Annapolis, benefits from proximity to the Naval Academy, where many residents pursue service careers. Anne Arundel County supports military families through resources like the Veterans Services Coordination Center, which connects veterans and dependents to benefits. Local schools, including Anne Arundel Community College, offer military preparation programs to aid transitions into service. This environment has produced other Maryland Navy personnel, such as Annapolis native Kayla Harris, who earned surface warfare qualifications in 2024.
Among her accomplishments, the Maryland Navy pilot highlights earning her Wings of Gold after two years of flight school. “Earning my ‘Wings of Gold’ and becoming a pilot,” Stearns said. “Two years of flight school, a lot of hard work and sleepless nights went into making my dream come true, as well as the relentless support of my family and friends. I’d always wanted to be a pilot; it was the moment it all came together. My dad pinned my wings on me. It was pretty special.”
This year marks the Navy’s 250th birthday, with celebrations emphasizing its role in defending freedom since 1775. Events include a gala in Philadelphia on October 11 and a parade of ships on the Delaware River starting October 9. Navy officials note that America’s prosperity depends on secure seas, including undersea cables for internet access.
Serving forward, Stearns views her role as a Maryland Navy pilot as a way to contribute nationally. “Serving in the Navy means giving back to the nation that I am proud to call my home and being a part of something bigger than myself,” Stearns said. “Seeing the dedication of the sailors around me drives me to be a better version of myself every day. The Navy has given me some of my best friends and memories I will cherish forever.”
The Maryland Navy pilot expresses gratitude to her support network. “I want to thank my dad, Chris, my mom, Suzanne, my brother, William, and my boyfriend, Kyle, who have loved and supported me through deployments and flight school,” Stearns said. “I would not be the person I am today without them.”
Maryland’s military community, including facilities like Naval Air Station Patuxent River in St. Mary’s County, continues to produce dedicated personnel. Recent leadership changes there, such as Capt. Patrick Murphy assuming command of the UAS program in July 2025, highlight ongoing innovations in naval aviation. These efforts underscore how individuals like this Maryland Navy pilot bolster national security from local roots.
