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 |
Airman 1st Class Sara Petro is a native of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania.
Petro graduated from River Valley High School in 2023.
Petro joined the Air Force six months ago.
“I had just graduated high school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life," said Petro. "My grandmother, Carolyn Irwin, had served in the Marines and she suggested I look into the military. Joining the Air Force is the best decision that I've ever made.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Air Force are similar to those found in Saltsburg.
“I come from a hard-working family that’s taught me always to try my hardest and be proud of my work,” said Petro.
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.
Petro is currently stationed at CNATTU Kessler serving as a student training with aerographer’s mates.
Petro graduated from River Valley High School in 2023.
Petro joined the Air Force six months ago.
“I had just graduated high school and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life," said Petro. "My grandmother, Carolyn Irwin, had served in the Marines and she suggested I look into the military. Joining the Air Force is the best decision that I've ever made.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Air Force are similar to those found in Saltsburg.
“I come from a hard-working family that’s taught me always to try my hardest and be proud of my work,” said Petro.
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.
Petro is currently stationed at CNATTU Kessler serving as a student training with 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.
Petro serves alongside the 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.”
Petro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was getting my Airman coin and getting "tapped out" by my family when I graduated from boot camp,” said Petro.
Petro can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Air Force makes me proud to be involved in something bigger than myself,” said Petro.
Petro is grateful to others for helping make an Air Force career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Frank and Stacy Petro, for always believing in me and supporting me in every step of my decision to join,” said Petro. “I want to get my bachelor's degree in nursing and eventually commission as an officer,” added Petro.
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.
Petro serves alongside the 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.”
Petro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was getting my Airman coin and getting "tapped out" by my family when I graduated from boot camp,” said Petro.
Petro can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Air Force makes me proud to be involved in something bigger than myself,” said Petro.
Petro is grateful to others for helping make an Air Force career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Frank and Stacy Petro, for always believing in me and supporting me in every step of my decision to join,” said Petro. “I want to get my bachelor's degree in nursing and eventually commission as an officer,” added Petro.