By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Master Gunnery Sgt. Tomas Lopez, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, serves the U.S. Marines at the Naval Aviation Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Lopez joined the Marines 25 years ago. Today, Lopez serves as an avionics chief.
“I joined the Marines after I completed four years of Navy Junior ROTC,” said Lopez. “I was inspired by a Marine instructor there. Also, my brother joined a few years ahead of me.”
According to Lopez, the values required to succeed in the Marines are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.
“Devotion to doing the right thing is something my dad taught me, and it has served me well in the Marine Corps,” said Lopez.
Naval Air Technical Training Center’s mission is to provide world class professional aviation warriors to the Navy fleet supporting combat readiness anywhere on the globe, while taking good care of our people, families and being good neighbors and stewards in the city of Pensacola and the surrounding region.
NATTC’s leaders and experts develop, deliver and leverage technology to optimize performance of our Navy, Marine Corps and foreign national students. We provide the most up-to-date and relevant training available to our sailors and Marines ensuring Naval aviation’s success.
Serving in the Marines means Lopez is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Department of the Navy is important because we protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without fear,” said Lopez.
Lopez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of reaching the rank of Master Gunnery Sgt. in my field of avionics,” said Lopez. “There are only 35 of us in the entire Marine Corps who hold this title,” said Lopez.
As Lopez and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Marines.
“Serving in the Corps means being able to work alongside men and women who share my devotion to honor, courage, and commitment,” added Lopez.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.