SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class John Nolan, a native of Houston, Texas, 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 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Nolan joined the Navy five years ago.
Today, Nolan serves as an aviation electrician’s mate with Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron.
“I did not have a clear direction for my life, and I thought the Navy would provide that for me,” said Nolan.
Growing up in Houston, Nolan attended Klein High School and graduated in 2016.
Today, Nolan relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Houston to succeed in the military.
“My parents instilled in me to do as I was told, and to get things done without complaining,” said Nolan. “I think that goes a long way in life too. Sometimes, you have to do what needs to be done for the greater good and complaining about it doesn't help.”
These lessons have helped Nolan 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.
Serving in the Navy means Nolan is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is a global presence and that in itself helps to protect our interests on the oceans and seas,” said Nolan.
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 ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.
“The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of naval surface forces. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Nolan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest moments came when I solved an issue that my team had been working on for several months and I solved it,” said Nolan. “I was also the Junior Sailor of the Quarter for my command. It was awesome to be recognized by my leadership.”
As Nolan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy provides me with a valued career and financial stability for my future,” added Nolan.