OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Chief Petty Officer Sheila Lentz, a native of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S.A., serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit 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 |
Lentz graduated from Marianas High School in 2006. Additionally, Lentz earned degrees in computer science from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2021 and 2022 and a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saipan.
“Growing up in Saipan, I learned two essential lessons: the value of hard work and the importance of kindness,” said Lentz. “It took a lot of hard work to get me to be a chief today and when you’re kind to others, you help each other. In the Navy, you grow together as a family, which is important when you’re so far away from your family. These principles shaped who I am today and guide me in everything I do.”
Lentz 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.
Lentz joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Lentz serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I enlisted in the Navy because I felt I was falling short of my parents’ expectations with my college education,” said Lentz. “I needed a new path to make them proud, and joining the Navy was that path. My goal was to be the first in our family to serve, and I achieved that milestone.”
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.
Lentz 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.”
Lentz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is having the opportunity to work alongside fellow sailors and contribute to their success,” said Lentz. “Supporting their growth and helping them thrive in their careers has been deeply fulfilling and remains a testament to our collective achievements.”
Lentz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy holds profound significance for me and my family,” said Lentz. “It offers me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while also empowering me to support and uplift those I work with. Most importantly, it allows me to safeguard and protect the ones I love, making my service deeply meaningful and fulfilling.”
Lentz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am deeply grateful for my husband, Ryan, whose unwavering support for my career and our family has been invaluable,” added Lentz. “I’m also thankful for my family back home in Saipan for their support. I also owe a great deal of thanks to the leaders who have guided me throughout this journey, helping me reach this point. Since joining the Navy, I have achieved significant educational milestones, earning an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology, all within 15 years of service.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saipan.
“Growing up in Saipan, I learned two essential lessons: the value of hard work and the importance of kindness,” said Lentz. “It took a lot of hard work to get me to be a chief today and when you’re kind to others, you help each other. In the Navy, you grow together as a family, which is important when you’re so far away from your family. These principles shaped who I am today and guide me in everything I do.”
Lentz 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.
Lentz joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Lentz serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I enlisted in the Navy because I felt I was falling short of my parents’ expectations with my college education,” said Lentz. “I needed a new path to make them proud, and joining the Navy was that path. My goal was to be the first in our family to serve, and I achieved that milestone.”
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.
Lentz 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.”
Lentz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is having the opportunity to work alongside fellow sailors and contribute to their success,” said Lentz. “Supporting their growth and helping them thrive in their careers has been deeply fulfilling and remains a testament to our collective achievements.”
Lentz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy holds profound significance for me and my family,” said Lentz. “It offers me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while also empowering me to support and uplift those I work with. Most importantly, it allows me to safeguard and protect the ones I love, making my service deeply meaningful and fulfilling.”
Lentz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I am deeply grateful for my husband, Ryan, whose unwavering support for my career and our family has been invaluable,” added Lentz. “I’m also thankful for my family back home in Saipan for their support. I also owe a great deal of thanks to the leaders who have guided me throughout this journey, helping me reach this point. Since joining the Navy, I have achieved significant educational milestones, earning an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and a master’s degree in cybersecurity technology, all within 15 years of service.”