PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2004 Hardaway High School graduate and Columbus, Georgia, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Rob Brazie works as an air traffic controller and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy air traffic controller is responsible for communicating with aircraft to ensure the safe take-off and landing of aircraft on an airfield or carrier.
Brazie says that his hometown of Columbus taught him values that have helped him in the Navy.
“I learned about respect and manners," said Brazie. "That is an important part of military bearing. It's kept me out of a lot of trouble in the Navy.”
NAS Pensacola, “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designations as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers.
It takes a lot of manpower to support and train pilots, but there is much more to this base that employs 16,000 military and 7,400 civilians. This includes major tenant commands: Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23, the Blue Angels, and the headquarters for Naval Education Training Command (NETC), a command which combines direction and control of all Navy education and training.
As the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy (DoN) NAS Pensacola provides base and operational support functions such as quality of life, administration, logistics, facilities, comptroller, management administration and operations (airfield, port, security, fire and search and rescue).
“I’m so proud of the entire team throughout our aviation enterprise,” said Capt. Christopher T. Martin, Commander Naval Air Station Pensacola. “The future of NAS Pensacola is bright, and we’re only going to continue to adapt and evolve as we prepare to efficiently deliver the very best readiness from the shore.”
“As sailors forged by the sea, we will continue to be the Navy the Nation Needs. One of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Lines of Effort is what we do best, strengthening our Navy team for the future,” said Martin.
Brazie has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Dad, uncles, three grandfathers, many great grandfathers have all served," said Brazie. "I am definitely carrying on the family tradition. But I am the first to serve in the Navy.”
Pensacola stands up to the expectations and provides a perfect environment for the workers and their families. The citizens benefit from all the modern world advantages, from schools and hospitals to recreational areas, theaters, cinemas and multiple services.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Brazie and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I am very proud to serve the Navy and my country defending America's freedoms,” Brazie added.