SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Weaver, a native of Katy, Texas, 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 Communications Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
Weaver joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Weaver serves as an aviation machinist's mate supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“I joined the Navy because I knew it would help me find my path in life,” said Weaver.
Growing up in Katy, Weaver attended Martha Raines High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Weaver uses the same skills and values learned in Katy to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to never give up, and to keep pushing forward,” said Weaver. “That has absolutely helped me overcome the challenges that military service presents.”
These lessons continue to help Weaver 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 Weaver 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 control the seas and project power,” said Weaver. “By our nature we are always close by to whatever may be going on in the world.”
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.”
Weaver and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I love being a mechanic,” said Weaver. “I love seeing my hard work go fly in the sky and complete our missions successfully.”
As Weaver 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.
“I get to serve and support my country every day,” added Weaver. “I enjoy putting metal in the sky and seeing my hard work come to life. I'm proud to be an American.”