Jay McGovern, a United States Naval Academy graduate, was a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, and currently is an engineer, successful businessman and inventor – he’s a proven leader.

Jay recently announced his candidacy for Florida’s 4th Congressional District.  He will bring to the halls of government a strong work ethic, practical experience and recognized excellence in professional judgment.

Jay McGovern came to Jacksonville in 1985 after flight training in Pensacola and designation as a Naval Aviator. He served our nation at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as an instructor pilot, and ultimately as a squadron Commanding Officer.

A successful businessman: He holds a patent on a plastics recycling process and operates a horse farm in Western Duval County.

He served North Florida as a community volunteer, including two terms as Chairman of Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) and as founding Chairman of the Riverside Avondale Development Organization.

While keeping a full agenda, Jay describes his most important job as spending time with his family. Jay and his wife of 22 years, Carolyn, were both born and raised in Sanford, Florida.  They have two children and enjoy time together on their farm.

Professional Experience

• Consulting Engineer – Jacksonville, FL and Kings Bay, GA
• Owner, Florida Equestrian, Inc.
• Patent holder and co-inventor: A process & apparatus used in plastics recycling
• Project Engineer, bridge and roadways – Jacksonville, FL

Education & Certifications

• BS, Marine Engineering, U.S. Naval Academy
• MS, Aeronautical Engineering, Naval Postgraduate School
• Registered Professional Engineer, State of Florida
• Licensed General Contractor, State of Florida
• Commercial pilot; fixed wing, rotary wing and instrument rated

Military Service

Helicopter Squadrons

• Division Officer – Pilot HS-15 Red Lions
• Department Head – Instructor Pilot HS-1 Sea Horses
• Department Head – Pilot HS-3 Tridents
• Commanding Officer HS-75 Emerald Knights
  • CNO Safety Award; Noel Davis Battle Efficiency Award

Command Tours

• Emeralds Knights, Jacksonville, Florida
• CV Southeast 0174, Mayport, Florida
• Expeditionary Port Unit 108, Atlanta, Georgia/Kuwait

Aircraft Carriers

• USS Forrestal, Pilot – HS-15
• USS Saratoga, Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer
• USS Theodore Roosevelt, Pilot – HS-3
• USS John F. Kennedy, Pilot – HS-75
• USS Harry Truman, Pilot – HS-75
• USS Nimitz, Pilot – HS-75

Global War on Terror

• Battle Watch Captain, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
• Deputy Operations Officer, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
  • Participated in Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Operations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iraq

Community Service

• Chairman, Riverside Avondale Preservation Inc.
• Founding Chairman, Riverside Avondale Development Organization, Inc.
• Housing Rehabilitation Director, Housing Partnership of Northeast Florida

Affiliations

• American Legion
• Experimental Aircraft Association
• Florida Engineering Society
• National Society of Professional Engineers
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)