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 Alex Llamas, a native of Tucson, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Llamas, a native of Tucson, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Llamas graduated from Santa Rita High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tucson.
“A lesson I try to carry with me is don’t let work consume you,” said Llamas. “Spend time with family and loved ones. Work will always be there, family will not.”
Llamas joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Llamas serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“My younger brother joined the military, and it inspired me to join,” said Llamas.
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.
Llamas 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.”
Llamas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of helping my shipmates believe they can achieve more and watching them do so is very rewarding,” said Llamas.
Llamas can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Llamas.
Llamas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, Doreen and Anthony, for raising me right and teaching me the value of trying my best,” added Llamas. “I also want to thank my older brother, A.J., and my best friend, Brenden Gydesen.”