Building on a long career

GREEN BAY – Petty Officer First Class Savon Hunte reenlisted for six additional years of service in April, where he was sworn in by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Pete Schwab at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) shipyard, as requested.

Hunte said the decision was last minute, but nevertheless a great one, as he was able to reenlist closer to family, friends and the place he calls home.

He stood on the USS Cleveland which he said is the last Littoral Combat Ship (LCS-31) of its kind, built by the Fincantieri Marine Group.

At the ceremony Savon also celebrated the end of a 20-year long era of LCS shipbuilding at FMM.

CEO Jan Allman was also present at the ceremony to celebrate Hunte’s meaningful impact and zeal.

Hunte originally joined the Navy after graduating high school in 2107.

Hunte expressed that his father was in the Navy for nine years and “that was one of the major reasons for doing it. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. I’ve always wanted the experience you get from it.”

He began his training at Recruit Training Command and went on to BU “A” school.

Savon entered the Armed Forces as a builder for the military although he had no experience.

His first tour was completed with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion-3 command from 2017 to 2022.

He is now working at a recruiting station in Green Bay.

When asked about an experience he treasures the most through his time in the Navy, he spoke highly of his time doing humanitarian relief.

Hunte contributed in repairing over 60 roofs on Northern Mariana Islands.

Through his involvement and dedication to the Navy he has also been recognized for numerous awards.

Last year, he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for being named the 2024 Recruiter of the Year for Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Great Lakes.

He was also recognized for LEDS Recruiter of the Year and Medium Station of the Year in 2024.

In 2023, he was recognized for Junior Sailor of the Year and Nuclear Field Recruiter of the Year.

Hunte will be taking his skills to Coronado, Calif., where he will serve as a builder for the Amphibious Construction Battalion where he will specialize in three select Navy builds, in addition to airfield damage repair and general construction.

Savon recognized his wife, Faith Hunte, for her support.

“She’s been hanging pretty well. She’s my rock in regards to allowing me to continue my ongoing service, as devoted as I have been. She’s been killing it, she’s been great,” he said.

The two recently added a new member to their family — a nine-month-old daughter.

“He is doing something that was special outside of what he went to the military for and they afforded him the opportunity to make that change to come back home and be with his family,” his mother, Laurie Hunte added.