VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Lt. Tim Walsh, a native of Weymouth, Massachusetts, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Walsh graduated from Weymouth High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weymouth.
“My hometown taught me to always follow my dreams,” said Walsh. “It also taught me to be resilient and set goals.”
Walsh joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Walsh serves as a pilot.
“I joined the Navy because I grew up next to a naval air station, and I always wanted to fly,” said Walsh. “Originally, I enlisted, but then I pursued a degree online and applied to Officer Candidate School, eventually achieving my goal of being a pilot.”
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.
Walsh 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.”
Walsh has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“It is hard to choose my proudest accomplishment because the Navy has afforded me so many opportunities to succeed,” said Walsh. “If I had to choose, it would probably be getting qualified to land on aircraft carriers with a T-45 trainer jet.”
Walsh can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I love serving in the Navy,” said Walsh. “It allows me to protect my family and my country. It also allows me to better myself every day.”
Walsh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family,” added Walsh. “They have given me unconditional support for the past 17 years and multiple deployments.”