Paul J. Waeghe, Jr., a flight engineer with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, is set to retire after 48 years of service and over 23,000 hours as a P-3 aircraft flight engineer. Waeghe's career spans half a century in federal service, with his retirement scheduled for June.

Waeghe began his journey in 1973 when he joined the Navy, according to a news release from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). His military career included nine deployments to regions in Asia and Europe. It was during this time that he acquired the skills necessary to serve as a flight engineer for 26 years, specializing in servicing P-3 aircraft.

Reflecting on his early fascination with aviation, Waeghe said, "Even as a child, watching aircraft takeoff and land at Detroit Metro airport with my father, a World War II Army and Air Force Veteran, I always dreamed of flying. The U.S. Navy offered me that opportunity."

Waeghe transitioned to CBP Air and Marine Operations in 2000 where he served for the next 23 years. He currently holds the position of senior flight engineer at National Air Security Operations Center in Jacksonville, Florida. Celebrating his 50th year of federal service last June, Waeghe credits his love for aviation as a key factor in his long-standing career. He often advises those starting their careers to pursue what they love – advice he himself has followed since he was 19.

Sharing an anecdote about his personal life decisions impacting his career path, Waeghe added: "Shortly after my wedding in 1980, my wife and I discussed leaving the U.S. Navy. We decided that continuing the career that I loved was the road to take. At the end of my naval career in 1999, I was fortunate enough to be hired by Air and Marine Operations doing the same job that I had loved doing."

Kraig A. Kamp, Director of National Air Security Operations Center-Jacksonville, praised Waeghe's contributions. "Paul is a true professional and his knowledge of the P-3 is unsurpassed," said Kamp. "He has led an unparalleled career in aviation. Air and Marine Operations will miss his expertise as a flight engineer and instructor, but we are thrilled that he will be enjoying his hard-earned retirement after giving 50 years of service to our nation."