By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGSVILLE, Texas - A 2019 University of North Dakota alumnus is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside naval aviators who learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world.
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Photo by Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
“I joined the Marines because I believed the unique experience associated with being a Marine Corps aviator would be both challenging and rewarding,” said Lipson.
Skills and values learned in the Marines are similar to those found at University of North Dakota.
“New Englanders take pride in their ruggedness, dependability and perseverance,” said Lipson. “Growing up in a system of friends and family who epitomize these traits, has unquestionably contributed to my success in the Marine Corps.”
Lipson serves as a student pilot with Training Squadron 22, a strike jet training squadron, located at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.
“Aviation has been my passion for most of my life,” said Lipson. “Naval aviation allows me to explore that passion in ways that are unmatched in other communities.”
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 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.
Serving in the Department of Defense means Lipson 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.
“Throughout history, a strong Navy has been a crucial part of any country's national defense,” said Lipson. "With so much of the earth's surface being covered with water, a strong Navy is vital to the national defense in our future."
Lipson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being awarded the opportunity to fly jets after completing primary flight training,” said Lipson.
Lipson takes pride in serving the country in the Marine Corps.
“I view my Marine Corps service as a privilege,” said Lipson. “I’ve been allowed an incredible chance to do some remarkable work. I hope to live up to the expectations the country has for Marine Corps officers and naval aviators.”
Lipson credits success to Tom Brady, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“His unrivaled commitment to perfecting his craft has inspired me constantly to improve myself, and has allowed me to have the success I’ve had thus far,” added Lipson.