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.
Seaman Madison Kinley, a native of Manning, South Carolina, 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 |
Seaman Madison Kinley, a native of Manning, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Kinley graduated from Laurence Manning Academy in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manning.
“Growing up, it was instilled in me that being proactive, to the best of your ability, and striving to be the best by putting in the effort will never fail you,” said Kinley. “Fearing failure was something I struggled with. I felt it was easier to run away when things got hard but throughout the years it took learning the true meaning of courage that set me free from facing challenges.”
Kinley joined the Navy 10 months ago. Today, Kinley serves as a logistics specialist.
“My father served in the Marine Corps,” said Kinley. “I joined the Navy to follow in his footsteps while paving a path of my own.”
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.
Kinley 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.”
Kinley has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I realized that I took studying for granted in high school,” said Kinley. “I learned later in life that education is a priority and when I enlisted, I knew I couldn’t fly under the radar. I had to do the work, and it gave me an appreciation for what my father preached, which is that it’s earned never given. It took me effort to see just how capable I really was.”
Kinley can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving is a privilege and a sacrifice,” said Kinley. “It’s the act of being selfless. Whatever it is that I am faced with, I will do it to the best of my ability because I took an oath to hold myself to a higher standard with no hesitation of taking it seriously.”
Kinley is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank all my family and friends for their support,” added Kinley. “I also want to send a shoutout to all those at LMA!”