NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Nichole McWhirter, a native of Mount Olive, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
McWhirter graduated from East Duplin High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mount Olive.
"My hometown taught me the valuable aspect of community and how hard work is always rewarded when you put in effort," McWhirter said. "These lessons have made me a better sailor, as I carry the same work ethic and sense of responsibility with me in the Navy, knowing that nothing is handed to you."
McWhirter joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, McWhirter serves as an air traffic controller.
"I decided to join the Navy for the opportunity of stability and to follow in my father's footsteps who served 28 years in the Marine Corps," McWhirter said. "His service inspired me, and I knew the Navy would provide me with the stability I was looking for while allowing me to serve my country."
Established in 1977, FACSFAC VACAPES maintains the scheduling, control and surveillance of military operating areas and training routes for the northeastern United States. The command now routinely oversees more than 112,000 miles of offshore air, surface and sub-surface operating areas from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island to Charleston, South Carolina.
Known as the “Giant Killers,” sailors assigned to the command provide air traffic control for more than 98,000 sorties each year operating in the expansive special-use airspace. Some of these events include missile exercises, unit-level training, NASA rocket launches, gunnery evolutions and underwater detonation drills.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
McWhirter has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"One of my proudest accomplishments in the Navy is making the rank of petty officer first class on my first try," McWhirter said. "Achieving that rank was a significant milestone in my career. Along with that, becoming a stepmom to my kids and becoming financially independent have been huge personal accomplishments for me, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come."
McWhirter serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Serving means unity to me because not a whole lot gets done on your own," McWhirter said. "Sometimes you have to depend on your fellow shipmates to get things done while you help. Being in the Navy also means I’m able to serve my country and build amazing relationships that will last a lifetime. Lastly, serving has allowed me to go to college and continue my education while learning valuable life skills along the way."
McWhirter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my dad, Cameron McWhirter, for being my positive role model throughout my life,” McWhirter added. “I also want to thank my stepmom, April Blizzard, for her support, and my mentor, Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (Ret.) Deon Pitts, for showing me the ropes. Special thanks to Chief Personnel Specialist Betts as well for their guidance. Lastly, I want to thank my three stepkids, Skyla, Scarlett and Tristan, and my fiancé, Eric, for being my rock. I couldn't have gotten this far without all of you."