PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2015 Daphne High School graduate and Daphne, Alabama, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Erin Smith works as an information systems technician and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy information systems technician is responsible for working with message traffic and emergency situation reports and managing other information systems.
Smith said that she uses lessons from Daphne to help her succeed in the Navy
“I learned to not quit something that you start, follow through,” said Smith.
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.
Smith has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My great grandfather served in World War II, but I am starting a new generation of service in my family,” said Smith.
Smith is also proud of her achievements in promotion and community service.
“I made rank both times on my first time up, and I won the Margaret Flowers Civic Service award for the command,” she said.
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, Smith and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means a commitment to my country,” Smith added.