SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Shepard, a native of Lakeside, California, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 located in San Diego, California.
Shepard joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Shepard serves as a machinist’s mate (aviation) supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“I joined the Navy because of my family,” said Shepard. "My grandfathers were both in the Navy and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I also wanted a change of pace from what I was doing at the time."
Growing up in Lakeside, Shepard attended River Valley Charter School and graduated in 2009. Today, Shepard uses the same skills and values learned in Lakeside to succeed in the military.
“I grew up in a Navy town, so I was surrounded by the military,” said Shepard.
These lessons have helped Shepard 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 Shepard 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 controlling the air and the sea,” said Shepard.
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.”
Shepard 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 Shepard.
As Shepard 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.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” added Shepard. "I feel pride every time I put on my uniform. Even when I'm dressed in civilian clothes, when people find out I'm in the military you can tell that they appreciate what we are doing for this country."