SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Losasso, a native of Davenport, Iowa, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 located in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Losasso joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Losasso serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman 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 and I knew that was something I could do with the military,” said Losasso.
Growing up in Davenport, Losasso attended Davenport Central High School and graduated in 2003. Today, Losasso uses the same skills and values learned in Davenport to succeed in the military.
“Hard work and discipline have helped me to not give up while serving in the Navy,” said Losasso.
These lessons have helped Losasso 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.
“I’m amazed by what our sailors at VRM 50 have achieved over the past 10 months,” said Cmdr. Eric Ponsart, VRM 50's commanding officer. “Standing up the Navy’s newest Fleet Replacement squadron from scratch and having it ready to receive its first aircraft is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the mission. It’s been an honor serving side-by-side with these fellow SunHawks. We look forward to delivering the best pilots and aircrew to the fleet.”
Serving in the Navy means Losasso 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.
“We provide defense on the seas, air and land to protect our Nation,” said Losasso.
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.”
Losasso and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“It’s rewarding to be able to pass on my skills and to train the next generation of sailors,” said Losasso.
As Losasso 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.
“Service has always been something that I've wanted to do,” added Losasso. “Being in the Navy, being a part of a team and working together for a larger mission is an honor.”