Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native supports the future of naval aviation
Petty Officer Second Class Colvin
By Navy Office of Community Outreach
PATUXENT RIVER, MD – A 2005 Coconut Creek High School graduate and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native is serving with Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) supporting the future of naval aviation aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
Petty Officer Second Class Nathan Colvin is a yeoman with NTWL, responsible for administratively supporting his fellow sailors at the command.
“What I enjoy most about my job is the daily interaction with my fellow sailors and civilian personnel,” said Colvin. “I’m definitely a people-person and I get a sense of pride taking care of my people and knowing they can count on me no matter how big or small the problem may be.”
NTWL is responsible for the safe and efficient execution of developmental ground and flight testing across all naval aviation platforms and systems.
It consists of five component commands, air test and evaluation squadrons, VX-20, HX-21 and VX-23, the Un-manned Aerial Systems Test Directorate and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Colvin works directly for HX-21, which is responsible for testing and evaluating the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft systems.
“There are no barriers between my chain of command, meaning there is an open door policy and I have the opportunity to freely discuss everyday business with my supervisors and upper echelon leaders,” said Colvin.
NTWL includes approximately 3,800 personnel, including 400 military, 800 civilian, 2,500 contractors and 65 students at any given time. Working together to accomplish the command’s test and evaluation mission, they do everything from maintaining aircraft airframes, electronic systems and engines, to handling administrative requirements, developing test plans, reporting test results, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.
“The men and women of Naval Test Wing Atlantic do great work every day to keep naval aviation at the cutting edge,” said Capt. Brett Pierson, NTWL commander. “Whether they’re flying or maintaining our aircraft, developing or executing test plans, or taking care of all the support we need in order to do what we do so well, our team takes pride in ensuring systems are ready for the fleet. I’m very proud of our people for what they do to defend our nation.”
Serving in the Navy, Colvin is learning about being more of a leader through handling numerous responsibilities.
“I’ve learned persistence, patience and selflessness since serving in the Navy,” said Colvin. “The morals and values instilled in me by the Navy has definitely made me a better man, father, and American.”
