FALLON, Nevada — A Wolfforth native is serving with Fleet Readiness Middle West Detachment Fallon supporting TOPGUN aviators on the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare coaching heart.
Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Crow is a 2005 Friendship Excessive College graduate.
“My hometown taught me problem-solving abilities,” mentioned Crow. “There are issues day by day within the Navy so you must be taught to resolve them.”
As we speak, Crow serves as an aviation ordnanceman at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada.
“I joined the Navy for academic alternatives,” mentioned Crow. “I’ve nearly accomplished my enterprise diploma.”
Fifty-two years in the past, TOPGUN was launched with the mission of decreasing casualties of naval aviators sustained in the course of the Vietnam Warfare. Inside a yr, this purpose was reached with america having one casualty for each 12 enemy deaths. Since then, TOPGUN continues to coach the best naval aviators and has impressed one blockbuster film launched in Could 1986, with a sequel deliberate for launch in Could of 2022.
As we speak’s U.S. Naval Aviators possess the professionalism, tactical abilities, progressive mindset, and understanding of superior applied sciences to succeed towards adversaries. They’re disciplined, crucial thinkers who excel in difficult environments – like these seen within the film, in line with U.S. Navy officers.
“I’m extraordinarily excited in regards to the influence this film could have,” mentioned Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces. “Very similar to the development that adopted the unique movie, I’m assured that High Gun: Maverick could have an amazing influence on our Navy recruiting efforts which can vastly enhance the numbers of courageous and gifted sailors amongst our ranks.”
In keeping with Navy officers, TOPGUN is a prestigious program solely open to the highest one % of naval aviators. Aviators who attend the course are skilled in quite a lot of areas together with air fight, jet maneuverability, enemy techniques and extra.
The mission of NAS Fallon is to assist service air wings previous to deployment, in addition to different models throughout coaching and workouts. This purpose is achieved by 300 clear flight days a yr, 4 bombing ranges, an digital warfare vary and plenty of different coaching services. The bottom can also be house to a 14,000-foot runway, which is the longest within the Navy.
NAS Fallon gives aviators the distinctive alternative to coach in lifelike battle situations whereas together with each aspect of an air service wing. It’s the solely facility on the planet with this capability.
The plane stationed at NAS Fallon assist plane service missions world wide. This yr, the Navy is celebrating the centennial of the plane service and its significance to naval aviation. When the air wing is launched into an plane service, the ship comprises greater than 70 assault fighter jets, helicopters and different plane, all of which take off from and land aboard the service at sea. With greater than 5,000 sailors serving aboard these ships, plane carriers are self-contained cell airports.
“The plane service is our U.S. Navy’s centerpiece, our flagship, and a continuing reminder to the remainder of the world of our enduring maritime presence and affect,” mentioned Rear Arm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Government Officer (PEO) Plane Carriers. “These ships contact each a part of our Navy’s mission to undertaking energy, guarantee sea management, and deter our adversaries.”
Serving within the Navy means Crow is a part of a world that’s taking up new significance in America’s deal with rebuilding army readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming enterprise practices in assist of the Nationwide Protection Technique.
“The Navy patrols the waters and ensures nothing goes on that shouldn’t,” mentioned Crow.
With greater than 90% of all commerce touring by sea, and 95% of the world’s worldwide telephone and web visitors carried by underwater fiber optic, Navy officers proceed to emphasise that the prosperity and safety of america is instantly linked to a robust and prepared Navy.
Crow and the sailors they serve with have many alternatives to realize accomplishments throughout their army service.
“I’m most pleased with nonetheless being within the Navy and advancing to the rank of first-class petty officer,” mentioned Crow.
The way forward for U.S. aviation will depend on the Navy’s capability to realize their imaginative and prescient for defeating tomorrow’s air threats with the assist of the bottom crews and aviators.
As Crow and different sailors proceed to coach and carry out missions, they take delight in serving their nation in america Navy.
“Serving within the Navy means defending my household,” added Crow.
