By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Recruit Maria Rebollo-Sanchez, a native of Lansing, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.
NATTC instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready sailors.
Rebollo-Sanchez joined the Navy and recently graduated from boot camp. Today, Rebollo-Sanchez serves as an airman.
“When I graduated high school most of my friends had plans for college, but after trying out college, I didn't feel that was for me,” said Rebollo-Sanchez. “I thought about joining the military and how it would be beneficial to both myself and my parents. My parents have always helped me out, so I was inspired to give back to them by joining the Navy.”
According to Rebollo-Sanchez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lansing.
“Growing up, lessons I learned that have helped me in my Navy career are time management and teamwork,” said Rebollo-Sanchez.
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 Navy means Rebollo-Sanchez 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 Navy is important to national defense because they protect our country and the people in this country,” said Rebollo-Sanchez. ”It definitely is the world's greatest Navy.”
Rebollo-Sanchez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“During boot camp, I went in without knowing how to swim but learned how to,” said Rebollo-Sanchez. “My proudest accomplishment is graduating from boot camp.”
As Rebollo-Sanchez 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 Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means giving back to my country,” added Rebollo-Sanchez. “It helped my parents have a better future, and I hope to continue serving as much as needed.”
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.