By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2013 graduate of Grizzly Charter High School in San Luis Obispo, California, is serving in the U.S. Navy where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world. |
Photo by Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“I joined the Navy to pursue my dream of flying the most advanced aircraft on the planet,” said Sawczyn. “I wanted to protect the freedoms and opportunities that the United States provides for citizens and immigrants like myself.”
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in both San Luis Obispo and Modesto.
“From living in my hometown I learned that it takes a good work ethic, dedication, a positive attitude, confidence and humility to be successful in the Navy,” said Sawczyn.
Sawczyn serves as a student pilot with Training Squadron 22, a strike jet training squadron, located at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.
“I enjoy the traditions of naval aviators,” said Sawczyn. "We get to continue being a part of an elite group of professionals. I also appreciate serving with some of the most genuine and intelligent people I have ever had the honor of being around."
The air training program focuses on the increased complexity of today’s aircraft. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. These aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
"The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries."
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.”
Serving in the Navy means Sawczyn 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 essential to maintaining freedom of the seas and protecting our country through strategic deterrence,” said Sawczyn.
Sawczyn has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is completing primary flight training and getting selected for an opportunity to be a strike pilot,” said Sawczyn. "It's been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. It's humbling to be surrounded by the quality of leaders and individuals who I serve beside on a daily basis."
As Sawczyn and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy to me, means protecting the freedoms this country offers to all,” said Sawczyn. "I also have the honor of defending people who work every day to acquire the American Dream that so many endeavors for."
Sawczyn is grateful to loved ones and others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, my sisters, Mikah Stewart, Connor Meade, Mike Lea and Aubrey Grier,” added Sawczyn. “Whether it has been opening my eyes to this opportunity, motivating me along the way, or continuing to be there for me, every person here is instrumental for my success within the Navy and within my life.”