Navy airman training in Florida

U.S. Navy Airman Brandon Robbins, a native of Newton, is assigned to the Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School in Pensacola, Fla.

Robbins, who graduated from Newton High School in 2016, joined the Navy three months ago.

“I joined the Navy to become part of something bigger than myself and to serve my country,” he said. “I also wanted to afford my family more opportunities, which I knew I could do through the Navy.”

The Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School provides training to enlisted aircrew and rescue swimmer candidates. The training is physically demanding and involves instruction on such topics as aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures.

Enlisted aviation personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps who are trained there eventually will be assigned to fleet squadrons as naval aircrewmen.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those in Newton, Robbins said. “I learned from my hometown to stay humble and to trust that hard work pays off.”

Serving in the Navy means that Robbins is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is the nation’s sea power,” he said. “We provide a global presence around the world and are a projection of force to maintain peace.”

With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Robbins will have many opportunities during his military service.

“I am most proud of being awarded an Honor Graduate Ribbon in boot camp and being in the top 3 percent of graduating recruits,” he said. “I am proud of that because it was a direct reflection of my recruit division commanders and how well they were training us. It also shows that hard work pays off.”

As he and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country.

“Serving in the Navy means I am completing a mission I started seven years ago,” said Robbins. “Seven years ago, I was medically disqualified in boot camp, so I am proud that I am now getting the opportunity to finish what I started. It also means having the honor and privilege to serve my country.”

Robbins is grateful to his family for helping make a Navy career possible. “I want to thank my family for laying the foundation of hard work in me,” he added.