LEMOORE, Calif. – Airman Tabitha Tlumac, a native of Manchester, Maine, is serving with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
As a student at CNATTU, Tlumac is serving with sailors and Marines developing the skills required for naval aviation warfighting. Students are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their careers. Instructors and staff are experts in the subject matter they teach and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready sailors.
Tlumac joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Tlumac serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy to do something important to develop myself,” said Tlumac. "I wanted to gain new experiences."
According to Tlumac, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manchester.
“My early experiences taught me that structure in life is valuable,” said Tlumac.
According to Navy officials, CNATTU’s mission is to produce resilient sailors and Marines with the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and maintain aircraft systems. These high-quality trained maintainers will provide the fleet with aircraft readiness needed to succeed in combat.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Tlumac 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 has control over the seas, so we have a variety of strategies when it comes to supporting our national defense,” said Tlumac.
Tlumac and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Tlumac 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 has control over the seas, so we have a variety of strategies when it comes to supporting our national defense,” said Tlumac.
Tlumac and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was proud to have joined and completed recruit training to be a part of the world's greatest Navy,” said Tlumac. "Not everyone is willing or able to do so."
As Tlumac 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.
“I sacrifice for those I love to keep safe and to be able to provide for them,” said Tlumac.
Tlumac is grateful to others for making a Navy career possible.
“I thank my fiance, Richard Avery, for being the biggest supporter in my career,” said Tlumac. “My parents' and sisters' unconditional love while being away has been crucial.”
“The decisions that seem intimidating now could be the best thing to happen to you,” added Tlumac.
As Tlumac 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.
“I sacrifice for those I love to keep safe and to be able to provide for them,” said Tlumac.
Tlumac is grateful to others for making a Navy career possible.
“I thank my fiance, Richard Avery, for being the biggest supporter in my career,” said Tlumac. “My parents' and sisters' unconditional love while being away has been crucial.”
“The decisions that seem intimidating now could be the best thing to happen to you,” added Tlumac.