BILOXI, Miss. - U.S. Navy aerographer’s mates are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.
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| Photo by Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Zenon Perez |
Pennyman graduated from Colorado Virtual Academy in 2023. Pennyman joined the Navy five months ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel, gain new experiences and get paid while doing it,” said Pennyman. “I talked to the Air Force first, but the recruiter was boring. The Marines were working out and that wasn’t for me. The Navy was the right choice for me.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Charlotte.
“Growing up, I learned to take in every moment, good or bad, to live in the present and to never stop learning,” said Pennyman. “Those lessons have helped me want to continue learning and not stop. I want to be an old person who is wise.”
Navy aerographer’s mates (AGs) are experts in meteorology and oceanography who provide environmental information to support Navy missions. AGs collect, record and analyze weather and oceanographic information.
Pennyman is an aerographer’s mate currently stationed at CNATTU Keesler serving as a student developing aerographer’s mates.
CNATTU Keesler is a training command that falls under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), the largest shore command in the Navy with more than 24,000 military and staff personnel at more than 624 subordinate activities, sites, talent acquisition groups, stations, and detachments throughout the world. NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat-ready warfighters.
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.
Pennyman 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.”
Pennyman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Since I’ve only been in the Navy a short time, I would say graduating boot camp on time is my proudest accomplishment,” said Pennyman. “I was able to stay focused and still had a good time. There were a lot of people going to separation and a lot of people who weren’t living in the moment and were ready to go.”
Pennyman can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I feel like serving in the Navy means I’m protecting people,” said Pennyman. “It shows how mentally strong I am and it shows character growth.”
Pennyman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad for teaching me, my sister for motivating me and my mom for giving me the idea to join the military,” said Pennyman. “My mom is a retired Marine.”
Pennyman has goals of continuing their education.“I want a bachelor’s degree, I don’t know in what yet, but I’m working toward that,” added Pennyman.