SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Ian Foxton, a native of Clinton, New York, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something cool and meaningful,” said Foxton.
Growing up in Clinton, Foxton attended Clinton High School and graduated in 2014. Foxton is also a 2019 graduate of SUNY Binghamton.
Today, Foxton relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Clinton to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, there was a small-town sense of community,” said Foxton. “It’s the same thing in the Navy. It’s similar to a sports team in high school.”
These lessons have helped Foxton while serving aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30.
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola. One year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
As a member of the Navy, Foxton is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The United States is separated from our adversaries by bodies of water and the Navy is our first line of defense,” said Foxton. “The Navy also keeps commercial trade routes open and safe.”
Foxton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of getting my wings, for sure,” said Foxton. “It takes a lot of time and effort. Flight school takes two to three years to complete. It’s physically and mentally challenging, and only about 60 percent of people who start the program make it through.”
As Foxton and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because it’s a family tradition for me,” said Foxton. “Both my grandparents and my dad served in the military.”
Foxton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to definitely thank my wife, my parents and my grandma,” said Foxton.