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.
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Livingston, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Livingston, a native of Los Angeles, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Livingston graduated from North High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
“Growing up, I learned to maintain a humble mindset,” said Livingston. “One never stops learning.”
Livingston joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Livingston serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be part of something greater than myself,” said Livingston.
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.
Livingston 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.”
Livingston has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is that I pulled someone from falling off the side of the ship during a maintenance action while on deployment in the South China Sea,” said Livingston. “This happened aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan in 2019.”
Livingston can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has made me realize that we are links in a chain that protects our nation and our loved ones,” said Livingston. “Serving in the military has helped me focus on skills and training that will help in the upcoming steps in my life. It has also given me a second chance to complete my degree and given me support in continued education.”
Livingston is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Catalina, for her unconditional love and support of the choices I’ve made in my life,” added Livingston.