CF native helping train future aircrews

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Airman Nathan Shelton, a native of Clark Fork serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School.

Shelton graduated from Clark Fork High School in 2023.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Clark Fork.

“Coming from a small country town has taught me a lot about having a strong work ethic and the importance of getting a job done,” said Shelton. "That transfers well in the Navy because if you have a strong work ethic here, you will be a lot more successful.”

Shelton joined the Navy five months ago.

“I am third-generation Navy and fourth-generation military,” said Shelton. "Hearing all of my family’s stories from their time in the service inspired me to join after high school. I also wanted to travel the world and set myself up for a great future. Lastly, I wanted to serve my country and be a part of something bigger than myself.”

Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School provides training to enlisted aircrew and rescue swimmer candidates. The training is physically demanding and involves instruction on topics such as aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures. With these skills, enlisted aviation personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps will eventually be assigned to fleet squadrons as naval aircrewmen.

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 for naval aviation and the Naval Aircrew community,” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commanding officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command.

Serving in the Navy means Shelton 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 an integral part of our national defense because we have the ability to transport a massive amount of people, weaponry and vehicles to almost anywhere in the world in a short amount of time,” said Shelton.

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.

Shelton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being an Honor Graduate in boot camp,” said Shelton. "I am proud of that because it required a lot of effort and helped me get a better start in my Navy career.”

As Shelton 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 to me means I am protecting my country and keeping it a place my little sister can grow up freely in,” said Shelton. "It also means I am protecting what I love and giving others freedom in this world.”

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

“I want to thank my mom, Jennifer, my dad, Chris, my boss, Ty, and my community for always supporting me,”  Shelton added.