Winter Garden native serves at Naval Air Technical Training Center

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Recruit Joshua Rennels, a native of Winter Garden, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach

As a student at NATTC, Rennels is serving among sailors and Marines developing the skills needed to be successful naval aviation warfighters.

Students at NATTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.

NATTC instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready sailors.

Rennels joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Rennels serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.

“I was inspired to join the Navy because I wanted to help my mother out,” said Rennels. “She raised three kids by herself. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here. It gave me some direction in my life and I wanted to be a part of something greater than myself.”

According to Rennels, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winter Garden.

“Growing up, I always remember two sayings that helped me to succeed in my Navy  career,” said Rennels. "Be the change you wish to see in the world, and do the right things even when no one is looking.”

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 Rennels 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 and security because we help to maintain peace, protect our oceans for fair trade and defend democracy around the world,” said Rennels. 

 

Rennels and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“The Navy accomplishment I'm most proud of is passing basic training,” said Rennels. “It was long and hard but worth it. I was glad to see my mother again and she was so proud of me. I will never forget that moment.”

As Rennels 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. 

“Serving in the Navy helps me give back to my country, protect those who can't protect themselves and save lives by doing so,” added Rennels.

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.