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 Nathan Kluge, a native of Weatherford, Texas, 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 Nathan Kluge, a native of Weatherford, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Kluge graduated from Weatherford High School in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Weatherford.
“Growing up working odd jobs, I learned that punctuality is my greatest asset,” said Kluge.
Kluge joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Kluge serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy to further my career,” said Kluge.
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.
Kluge 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.”
Kluge has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of taking charge in my work center and being the best leader I know how to be,” said Kluge. “I’m also proud of the 2022-2023 deployment aboard the aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush.”
Kluge can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I personally ensure my family’s safety and that I’m defending what I love,” said Kluge.
Kluge is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my two closest friends, Aaron Hull and Zane Elsholtz,” added Kluge.