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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Stender, a native of South Hadley, Massachusetts, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Stender graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in South Hadley.
“The lessons I learned came from working as a summer custodian before enlisting where the basics were punctuality, pride in the work you do no matter the job, and demonstrating good leadership to the entire team,” said Stender.
Stender joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Stender serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a better future and gain work experience after graduating college from Westfield State University in 2017,” said Stender.
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.
Stender 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.”
Stender has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being part of a five-month deployment that conducted drug interdiction operations all across the Caribbean and Pacific,” said Stender.
Stender can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving my country means that I get to be part of a team that has the capability to defend our county and our allies from any type of threat,” said Stender.
Stender is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, Kimberly and Mark, for teaching me a good work ethic and the morals to be a good person,” added Stender. "What they taught me growing up has helped me during my time in the Navy."