LEMOORE, Calif. – Airman Recruit Noah Henson, a native of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, is serving with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.

As a student at CNATTU, Henson is serving with sailors and Marines developing the skills required for naval aviation warfighting. Students are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their careers. Instructors and staff are experts in the subject matter they teach and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready sailors.

Henson joined the Navy less than one year ago. Today, Henson serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country and travel,” said Henson. “The Navy was the best option for that.”

According to Henson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Locust Grove.

“Growing up, I learned to have trust in others,” said Henson. “I grew up around farms and around my family, and you need to be able to trust people to do the job correctly.”

According to Navy officials, CNATTU’s mission is to produce resilient sailors and Marines with the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and maintain aircraft systems. These high-quality trained maintainers will provide the fleet with aircraft readiness needed to succeed in combat.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

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.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

Serving in the Navy means Henson 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 important to national defense because we patrol the world’s oceans, and if anyone wants to try anything they have to deal with us,” said Henson.

Henson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“So far, I’m most proud of being able to wear my uniform with my family’s name on it,” said Henson.

As Henson and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy to me means being able to make my family and friends proud of me,” said Henson. “It means I’m able to give back to my country.”

Henson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my mom, dad and sister for supporting me along my journey,” added Henson.