OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Petty Officer 1st Class Marc Ruddy, a native of Cedar Park, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Training Technical Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island, where sailors learn the skills needed to ensure aircraft are mission-ready.
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| Photo by Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Manning |
Ruddy graduated from Cedar Park High School in 2004.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cedar Park.
“Growing up in Texas taught me to have a tenacious work ethic and to be kind and courteous to everyone I meet,” said Ruddy.
Ruddy is an instructor 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.
Ruddy joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Ruddy serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“My father was in the Navy,” said Ruddy. "I admired him greatly and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
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.
Ruddy 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.”
Ruddy has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of being the final P-3C power plants instructor for the Navy,” said Ruddy. "The Navy retired the P-3, which was replaced by the P-8."
Ruddy can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I love being able to serve my country,” said Ruddy. "It is by far the highest honor a person can achieve in my opinion."
Ruddy is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am so thankful to my lovely wife and my amazing children,” added Ruddy. "I also appreciate my shipmates and all the amazing leaders I have had who have guided me over the years."