JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Motyl, a native of Rogersville, Missouri, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 8 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Motyl, a 2018 graduate of Logan-Rogersville High School, joined the Navy over four years ago.
“I was wanting to give to my community and joining the Navy sounded like a great adventure,” said Motyl.
Today, Motyl relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Rogersville to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in my hometown, my parents taught me to always be honest and to have a good work ethic,” said Motyl.
These lessons have helped Motyl while serving in the Navy.
VP 8 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
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 Motyl is part of a team 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.
“Our Navy is a quick response team to any adversaries of the United States,” said Motyl.
Motyl and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is getting qualified as a naval aircrewman,” said Motyl. “The amount of dedication it took and going through the specific conditions, that weren't ideal for learning, was a great testament to my hard work and persistence paying off in the end.”
As Motyl and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving my country gives me a sense of pride and is a rewarding experience,” added Motyl.