VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Mason Colebaugh, a native of Swansboro, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, nicknamed the Rhino.
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| Photo by Britteney Powers |
Colebaugh graduated from Swansboro High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Swansboro.
“A lesson that I learned from my hometown is that life is too short and you have to cherish the good times before they are gone,” said Colebaugh.
Colebaugh joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Colebaugh serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“It’s been a family tradition to join the military, and I wanted to keep it going. My dad was in the Marine Corps and my grandfather was in the Navy,” said Colebaugh.
The mission of the Rhino demonstration team is to share the rich heritage of naval aviation and display the hard work and dedication of U.S. Navy service members to the public.
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Colebaugh serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the Nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Colebaugh has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy being named sailor of the year and getting a backseat ride in an F-18,” said Colebaugh.
Colebaugh can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me because I get to know I'm doing something great for this country,” said Colebaugh.
Colebaugh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my wife, my parents, and all my friends I serve with today,” Colebaugh added.
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/