SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Elyssia Wright, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50, located in San Diego, California.
 |
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Wright joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Wright serves as an aviation electronics technician with Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron.
“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits the military provides,” said Wright.
Growing up in St. Louis, Wright attended Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Wright relies upon skills and values similar to those found in St. Louis to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to not judge a book by its cover, and if you just keep working hard you'll come out on top,” said Wright.
These lessons have helped Wright 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 Wright 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 contributes to the national defense strategy because we defend our country's waters and we help our friends out too,” said Wright. “We get it done.”
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.”
Wright and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of my contributions to the Navy and helping to keep my pilots and aircrew safe,” said Wright.
As Wright and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because a lot of my family are really proud of my work here,” added Wright. “I'm the first in my family to serve, and I get to make them proud and show what our family can do.”