PENSACOLA, Fla. - Airman Apprentice Amelia Butler, a native of Arlington, Virginia, is serving the U.S. Navy at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC).
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey |
As a student at NASC, Butler is serving among sailors, Marines and guardsmen developing the skills needed to be combat-ready aviation professionals. NASC is located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, provides an educational foundation in technical training, character development, and professional leadership.
Students at NASC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Butler joined the Navy four months ago.
“As a female, I was inspired to join the Navy to become empowered,” said Butler. “Being an aircrewman is not an easy job, so I want to prove to myself.”
According to Butler, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Arlington.
“In my hometown I learned that there is no ‘I’ in a team,” said Butler. “One fight.”
NASC provides educational foundation in technical training, character development and professional leadership to prepare Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and partner nations Officer and Enlisted to be the combat quality aviation professionals their nation needs.
NASC is comprised of four schoolhouses: Aviation Training School (ATS), Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training (AEATS), Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) and Aviation Water Survival School (AWS), which provide instruction in 14 different curricula. In fiscal year 2021, ATS staff conducted 2,250 hours of classroom instruction and 17,095 hours of flight instruction; graduated 1,140 pilots and 217 Naval Flight Officers. AEATS graduated 1,237 students, ARSS graduated 245 students and AWS, including Detachment Swim Sites Norfolk and Pearl Harbor provided training for 6,479 students.
Serving in the Navy means Butler is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national security by preserving freedom of the seas,” said Butler.
Butler and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of graduating from Aircrew Candidate School,” said Butler. “It was the most mentally and physically challenging thing I've ever done in my life.”
As Butler and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being a sailor allows me to serve my county and see the world, which will provide unlimited opportunities for my future,” added Butler.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.