OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Jack, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, 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.
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| Photo by Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Manning |
Jack graduated from Ralston High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Omaha.
“Family is everything,” said Jack. "My family is my world, and being able to travel and experience life with them has been one of the greatest rewards."
Jack 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.
Jack joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Jack serves as a logistics specialist.
“My goal was to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather,” said Jack. "He was one of the greatest men I had known and he inspired me. My wife and I met very young and had a child young, so with us being a bit lost, the Navy was going to provide direction and guidance."
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.
Jack 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.”
Jack has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“We work hard in the military and the respect and pride that comes with promotion is very rewarding,” said Jack. “Serving in the Navy provides an example for my kids to show them that hard work and dedication can provide you with self-worth.”
“I currently serve as an instructor,” added Jack. "As someone who didn't like school growing up, it's ironic that I am now teaching at a Navy school."