By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Joseph Parham, a native of Macon, Georgia, 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.
Parham joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Parham serves as a naval aircrewman operator.
“I was inspired to join the Navy because I wanted to give myself a promising career,” said Parham. “It is also a family tradition. I am a third generation Navy sailor.”
According to Parham, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Macon.
“Growing up, my father and my JROTC instructors told me, “if you’re going to do anything, do it right and to your fullest, maximum capacity,”’ said Parham. “These lessons learned have helped me succeed in my Navy career.”
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 Parham 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 we are the largest maritime defense and the largest Navy in the world,” said Parham. “The Navy helps protect U.S. soil from war and helps protect our allied nations and economies.”
Parham and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of the accomplishments I am proud of is completing Aircrew Candidate School and moving on my education pipeline,” said Parham.
As Parham 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.
“Being in the Navy is an honor because I get to serve alongside other sailors and other service members,” added Parham. “Without each individual’s job, no matter how big or small, we wouldn't run smoothly without each other.”
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.