Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Alpine native trains to support U.S. naval aviation warfighters

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Airman Justin Miller, a native of Alpine, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Training Technical Unit, where sailors learn the skills needed to ensure aircraft are mission-ready.
Photo by Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class
Michael Manning

Miller graduated from Alpine High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alpine.

“The biggest lesson Alpine taught me is that when a goal is attainable, you must find a way to get everyone on board to execute the goal,” said Miller.

Miller is a student 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 warfighters.

Miller joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Miller serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to pay off my student debt and to use the post 9/11 GI bill to finish my education,” said Miller.

CNATTU Whidbey Island provides two shipboard aircraft firefighting courses in a live fire training environment where sailors learn to use essential teamwork and communication skills to be successful. Shipboard firefighting is a critical skill set every sailor deploying on board a ship must possess to save lives and equipment in the event of an emergency.

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 the aircraft readiness needed to succeed in combat.

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Miller serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Miller has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment so far in the Navy was being part of the Chief of Naval Operations division at boot camp,” said Miller. "We had one of the highest points in the system they use to grade us."

Miller can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy gave me a second chance at doing what's right for my future,” said Miller.

Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I'm grateful to have such loving and supportive parents,” added Miller.