Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Blackshear native serves with one of the Navy’s newest tilt-rotor aircraft squadrons

By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Lucas Wrobel, a native of Blackshear, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Jesse Hawthorne


Wrobel joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Wrobel serves as an electronics technician (aviation) supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see the world,” said Wrobel.

Growing up in Blackshear, Wrobel attended Pierce County High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Wrobel uses the same skills and values learned in Blackshear to succeed in the military.

“Growing up, I was taught patience and acceptance,” said Wrobel.

These lessons have helped Wrobel while serving in the Navy.

The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.

CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.

According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.

“The men and women of VRM 30 deliver lethality and combat effectiveness to the Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Steve Parente, VRM 30’s commanding officer. “Through the sustainment of high priority logistics and critical personnel, our worldwide deployable CMV-22 Detachments directly enable the combat power of the world’s most powerful Navy anytime, anywhere. The Titans are extremely proud of their significant responsibility and steadfast service in the defense of our great nation.”

Serving in the Navy means Wrobel is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national security by our deterrence and show of force,” said Wrobel.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

Wrobel and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest naval accomplishment is doing five successful deployments with zero mishaps or incidents,” said Wrobel.

As Wrobel and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“To me, serving in the Navy means being a positive role model and influence for my future children,” added Wrobel.