OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Petty Officer 1st Class William Poland, a native of Saugus, Massachusetts, 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 |
Poland graduated from Saugus High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saugus.
“Playing football in high school instilled good morals and discipline,” said Poland.
Poland 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.
Poland joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Poland serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“The attacks of 9/11 inspired me to enlist in the Navy after high school,” said Poland.
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.
Poland 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.”
Poland has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that I earned a bachelor's degree in science,” said Poland. "I'm also proud to have achieved my instructor qualification."
Poland can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I have the honor of serving alongside the greatest sailors in the world,” added Poland.