a member of the Fleet Logistics Multi- Mission Squadron in San Diego , CA .
“ I wanted to be a framer ,” says Payne . “ I was a grease monkey as a kid , and the Navy gave me million-dollar assets to work on instead of a dirt bike .”
Petty Officer First Class Nathan Payne .
Growing up in Dunbar , Payne attended Nitro High School and graduated in 2015 . From his time growing up in a small town , many skills and values have been instilled in Payne that carry over to his success in the military .
“ I learned about respect , responsibility and having a strong work ethic ,” says Payne .
These lessons have helped Payne while serving in the Navy . The CMV-22B is the Navy ’ s version of the U . S . Marines ’ V-22 Osprey . It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound , which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades . CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft , which have an increased operational range , faster cargo loading / unloading , increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound .
According to Navy officials , the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely , persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality , anywhere in the world .
Payne serves with one of the Navy ’ s newest tilt-rotor aircraft squadrons .
“ The Navy contributes to the national defense strategy because we ' ve always been a powerful asset since the beginning ,” Payne says . “ We have a global presence , and we act as a deterrent .”
With more than 90 % of all trade traveling by sea , and 95 % of the world ’ s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor , Navy officials con - tinue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the U . S . is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy .
“ Maintaining the world ’ s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the U . S ., as well as the stability of our world ,” says Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mike Gilday . “ The U . S . Navy — forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power — deters conflict , strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world ’ s oceans . As the U . S . responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence , our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready , capable , combat-credible fleet .”
As Payne and other sailors continue to train and perform missions , they take pride in serving their country in the U . S . Navy .
“ Serving in the Navy means pride and accomplishment ,” says Payne . “ I love my job and I love being a mechanic . I always love coming to work .” •
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