By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Catherine Bland, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PENSACOLA, Fla. – Airman Samuel Munroe, a native of Plantation, Florida, serves at Aviation Rescue Swimmer School. Munroe graduated from South Plantation High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Plantation.
“Where you aim in life is what you get; freedom is a relative term,” said Munroe. “After college, I joined the Navy to live a better life. If you enjoy life and your job it can be your passion.”
Munroe joined the Navy five months ago.
“The Navy SEALs inspired me to join,” said Munroe. “I heard legends of excellence from stories to be the best you can to be a part of a legacy.”
Aviation Rescue Swimmer School provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and international student aviators. Aviation rescue swimmers serve in treacherous conditions to complete life-saving missions like evacuating families during a storm, rescuing a crew off of a ship in the Pacific Coast or saving mountain climbers.
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.
“Having a cadre of students who are eager to learn and extremely hardworking, ensures we offer the best and brightest to naval aviation and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community,” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commanding officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command.
Serving in the Navy means Munroe 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 contributes to national security by excelling in communication efforts and maritime knowledge,” said Munroe.
With 90% 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.
Munroe has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being with the Navy Challenge Program because it challenges me and holds me accountable,” said Munroe. “It means being amongst the best.”
As Munroe 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 being successful and professional,” said Munroe. “It also means becoming a great student, being a part of a team and being held accountable as a teammate.”
Munroe is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Aida, for supporting me,” added Munroe. “She talks about my grandpa and cousin who served and were successful. She pushes me to strive for that.”
