Hazelton native Ammon Hontz, Jr. was sworn into the United States Navy during a ceremony held shortly before the start of the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 Aug. 1.

Hontz, a 2010 graduate of Hazelton Area High School, will serve as a gunners mate responsible for the operation and maintenance of guided missile launching systems, gun mounts and other ordnance equipment.He will begin his basic training Aug. 9 at the Navy's Great Lakes facility, followed by a stint of specialized education exclusive to his position. During the latter, 26-week program, Hontz will learn to repair every aspect of the Navy's various weapons systems (electronic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc.).Hontz is the son of Ammon D. Hontz of Jim Thorpe and Lori Nuss of Hazelton. His military career continues the tradition set by his father, who served as a field artilleryman in the Army, and his grandfather, who was stationed in Austria as an armor crewman during World War II. Hontz's sister Kristin is also currently active in the Navy, and has been stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii for the past six years.Hontz is eager to begin his training, and hopes to eventually serve alongside his sister in Hawaii.