By
Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A 2007 Northrop
High School graduate and Fort Wayne, Indiana
native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the
largest base in the Southeast Region and third largest in the nation.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Phil Shaw is
an aviation
machinist's mate serving with Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.
A Navy aviation machinist's mate is primarily
responsible for the engine of the aircraft.
“I
inspect adjust, test, repair and overhaul aircraft engines," said Shaw. "The fast-paced work environment and the
attention to detail is what I like the most about working at this command. It's also important to me that I protect the lives of those I work
with in the work place."
According to Navy officials, Wing 11’s history and
reputation remain unparalleled since being commissioned on August 15, 1942.
Throughout the decades, Wing 11 has continued to fly combat missions in direct support of
the troops on the ground and delivered
traditional maritime capabilities, real-time intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance.
Beginning in the
1960s, the P-3C Orion, a land-based, long-range anti-submarine warfare patrol
aircraft, replaced the P-2V Neptune fleet. After 50 years of faithful
service and the 50th anniversary of Maritime Patrol and
Reconnaissance Force, the P-3C Orion is being phased out of the fleet,
according to Navy officials.
The P-8A is a modified Boeing airframe
featuring a fully connected, state-of-the-art, open architecture mission system
designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; and
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, Navy officials
explained.
"The U.S. Navy sometimes asks the
impossible of our people. It is sailors that make the impossible possible,”
said Capt. Anthony Corapi, Commodore, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11. “Petty Officer Shaw is one example of a selfless
servant of our nation. These heroes ask
for very little recognition and perform their daily job with pride and
professionalism defending freedom and our way of life around the world. Each member of the Navy's combat team is crucial
to our success. I am very proud to have Petty Officer Shaw
on our team!"
Shaw is part of a crew that began
transitioning to the P-8A Poseidon and is preparing for deployment in the future.
“What I like the most about working at
this command is the attitude, leadership and the willingness to help you in all
situations," said Shaw. "It is great leaders that have your back."
According to Navy officials, the Navy
continues to meet milestone after milestone on this world-class mission and is
providing an aircraft with superior capabilities to the men and women in
uniform that will have a lasting legacy promoting a global maritime strategy.
“The Navy has taught me confidence," said Shaw. "I
have a lot more potential to become a better leader. I can take orders, assess the orders and how
I should handle the situation. It is the
heart of the Navy and the sailor."