SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Chance Cline, a native of Moore Haven, Florida, 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 |
Cline joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Cline 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 try something new and see the world,” said Cline. "I also knew the Navy could provide me with structure."
Growing up in Moore Haven, Cline attended Moore Haven Middle-High School and graduated in 2005. Today, Cline uses the same skills and values learned in Moore Haven to succeed in the military.
“My grandfather used to always say 'If you're going to do something, give 100 percent and you will always be satisfied',” said Cline. "No matter what, that taught me to give everything I had."
These lessons have helped Cline 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 Cline 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 keeping the wolves at bay,” said Cline.
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.”
Cline and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is doing a deployment with the French on the French carrier,” said Cline. "I've also been around the world more than once, which is something I know not everyone has the opportunity to do."
As Cline 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 giving to a higher cause than myself,” added Cline.