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 |
Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Smith is a native of Maypearl, Texas.
Smith graduated from Maypearl High School in 2013.
Smith joined the Navy 11 years ago.
“My father told me after high school, I was either to join the military or go to college but either way I was moving out," said Smith.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maypearl.
“I learned a good work ethic from throwing hay as a kid and this work ethic has helped me be successful in the Navy,” said Smith.
Navy aerographer's mates are experts in meteorology and oceanography who provide environmental information to support Navy missions. They collect, record and analyze weather and oceanographic information.
Smith is an electrician’s mate currently stationed at CNATTU Kessler serving as an instructor developing aerographer’s mates.
CNATTU Kessler 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.
Smith 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.”
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making Electronics Technician 1st Class and having the ability to retire from military service with a pension,” said Smith.
Smith can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that my family always has a place to live and health insurance,” said Smith.
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Cheyene, and my three kids, L.J., Theodoar and Jackson, for all their love and support,” said Smith. “I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in computer science from Thomas Edison State University with an expected graduation date of 2025,” added Smith. “I received my enlisted surface warfare specialist and aviation warfare specialist pin in 2014 while serving aboard USS Makin Island.”
Smith graduated from Maypearl High School in 2013.
Smith joined the Navy 11 years ago.
“My father told me after high school, I was either to join the military or go to college but either way I was moving out," said Smith.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Maypearl.
“I learned a good work ethic from throwing hay as a kid and this work ethic has helped me be successful in the Navy,” said Smith.
Navy aerographer's mates are experts in meteorology and oceanography who provide environmental information to support Navy missions. They collect, record and analyze weather and oceanographic information.
Smith is an electrician’s mate currently stationed at CNATTU Kessler serving as an instructor developing aerographer’s mates.
CNATTU Kessler 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.
Smith 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.”
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making Electronics Technician 1st Class and having the ability to retire from military service with a pension,” said Smith.
Smith can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that my family always has a place to live and health insurance,” said Smith.
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Cheyene, and my three kids, L.J., Theodoar and Jackson, for all their love and support,” said Smith. “I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in computer science from Thomas Edison State University with an expected graduation date of 2025,” added Smith. “I received my enlisted surface warfare specialist and aviation warfare specialist pin in 2014 while serving aboard USS Makin Island.”