Monday, July 30, 2018

Glenpool Native Serves at the Navy’s Largest Aviation Training Center

Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Moreno, Navy Office of Community Outreach

PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2017 Glenpool High School graduate and Glenpool, Oklahoma, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.

Airman Bobby Morris works out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.

A Navy undesignated airman is a junior sailor who gets the opportunity to work in a variety of jobs before choosing a specific job field to pursue in the Navy.

He says that values from his hometown help him to be successful in the Navy.

“Having a good attitude helps you get through situations you may come across,” said Morris.

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.

Morris is a first generation servicemember and proud to be representing his family 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, Morris 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 prideful about my service," Morris added. "It feels good to put on the uniform. It's one of the best things I have ever done.”