OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
Airman Olivia Atkinson, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Airman Olivia Atkinson, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Atkinson graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corpus Christi.
“A principle that has stayed with me, instilled by my dad, is to give 100% effort, even when no one is looking,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Atkinson serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I enlisted in the Navy to pursue higher educational opportunities,” said Atkinson. “I also wanted to travel the world and experience different cultures.”
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
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.
Atkinson 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.”
Atkinson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My biggest accomplishment is getting fully qualified within 90 days of reporting to my airframes division,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Atkinson. “It also means becoming part of a legacy, upholding values that have been passed down through the generations and making a meaningful contribution.”
Atkinson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Michelle and Tony, for being there and always supporting me,” added Atkinson.