PENSACOLA, FL. – A 2011 homeschool graduate and Watertown, Minnesota, native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.
Seaman Laura Cradick works as a cryptologic technician and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.A Navy cryptologic technician is responsible for collecting and analyzing information so that leadership can make decisions about operations.
“My brothers inspired me to join the Navy," said Cradick. "My brother in the Navy teased me saying I couldn't make it which motivated me to try harder. My other brother is in the Marines and he was very supportive and was excited about my new journey.”
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.
Cradick has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was a lieutenant in the Navy and worked as a civilian at Military Sealift Command," said Cradick. "My uncle retired from the Coast Guard. But I am the first female in my family to serve. My niece tends to look up to me, so maybe I have started a new family trend, too.”
Cradick is also proud that she finished her initial at the top of her class.
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, Cradick 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 helping people who cannot serve," Cradick added. "One of the first things I experienced in the military was the capture and Fall of Mosul. I kept thinking about how I will be a part of protecting innocent people not just here but around the world.”