PENSACOLA, Fla. - Airman Dylan Hochbaum, a native of Lowell, Indiana, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School (AEATS) amongst sailors and Marines who are developing the skills needed to be combat-ready aviation professionals.
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| Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Hochbaum is a 2024 graduate of Lowell High School.
Hochbaum joined the Navy 10 months ago. Today, Hochbaum is a student learning the skills necessary to be a naval aircrewman.
“I joined the Navy to experience a life that was above average,” Hochbaum said. "I never wanted to live life as an average person and then die without accomplishing anything. I feel like I owe this country something, and I owe the people who have gone before me to serve."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lowell.
“My cross-country coach, Jake Rakoczy, taught me to work hard and never be complacent,” Hochbaum said. "My dad, Tom Hochbaum, taught me to be humble and work hard. He's the hardest-working person I've ever met, and I've never seen him complain."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, AEATS provides training to enlisted aircrew and rescue swimmer candidates. The training is physically demanding and involves instruction on topics such as aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures. With these skills, enlisted aviation personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps will eventually be assigned to fleet squadrons as naval aircrewmen.
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.
Hochbaum serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Hochbaum has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of how I've grown as a person, especially becoming more disciplined,” Hochbaum said. "This is something that I can carry with me throughout my life. I've never been a big fan of trophies or ribbons because you can't take those with you, like you can with life lessons that make you a better person."
Hochbaum can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that I can contribute to something larger than myself,” Hochbaum said. "I get to serve a deserving nation that has given me so much. It also gives me a great opportunity to grow as a person."
Hochbaum is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Tina Durr, for being strong and always putting her family first,” Hochbaum added. "I also want to thank my friends who always pushed me. They would never let me be complacent. They're nice people, but they kept me in check. Sometimes, it's nice to have that verbal cold water to keep you straight."