OAK HARBOR, Wash.- Petty Officer 1st Class Dallas Donnelly, a native of Simi Valley, California, 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 |
Donnelly graduated from Simi Valley High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Simi Valley.
“I learned that there's beauty in everything,” said Donnelly.
Donnelly 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.
Donnelly joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Donnelly serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and better myself,” said Donnelly.
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.
Donnelly 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.”
Donnelly has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud watching junior sailors I've mentored grow into outstanding sailors and achieving their goals,” said Donnelly.
Donnelly can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that I'm part of something rich in history, as well as being part of something bigger than myself,” said Donnelly.
Donnelly is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Kent and Sherry,” added Donnelly. "I'm thankful for everything they've done and grateful for them teaching me the importance of hard work and education."