SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Fairlie, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, 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 |
Fairlie joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Fairlie serves as an electrician’s mate (aviation) supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“I was in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) all through high school and that inspired me to join the military,” said Fairlie. "I was also inspired to join by the events of 9/11. I knew after that that I wanted to serve my country. Before I joined, I talked to my sister who was already in the Navy and she convinced me to join this branch and become a sailor."
Growing up in Kansas City, Fairlie attended Van Horn High School and graduated in 2005. Today, Fairlie uses the same skills and values learned in Kansas City to succeed in the military.
“I was taught to be able to work with many different types of people,” said Fairlie. "My high school had people from all different upbringings. When I came to the Navy and encountered sailors from all over the country I was prepared to deal with people with different personalities and different backgrounds."
That lesson continues to help Fairlie 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 Fairlie 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 just by the fact that we can be anywhere,” said Fairlie. "No matter where in the world, the Navy is there and other countries know it."
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.”
Fairlie and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is advancing in rank to first class petty officer,” said Fairlie.
As Fairlie 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 protecting the country and providing support for those who need it,” added Fairlie.