BILOXI, Miss. - U.S. Navy aerographer’s mates are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas White is a native of Levelland, Texas.
White graduated from Levelland High School in 2020. White joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, meet new people and build a career,” said White. “I also have family who were in the Navy. My great-grandparents met in the Navy during World War II but I had family on both sides who were sailors. My parents encouraged me to join the Air Force, but I chose the Navy for a greater challenge.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Levelland.
“When I was in high school, I was part of Upward Bound at South Plains College and that helped me build good study habits and communication skills,” said White.
“We’re a very STEM-based rate and a very public speaking rate. I’m working with a bunch of weather-related things and there’s a lot of studying in that. I also have to be able to communicate effectively with high-ranking people about the weather.
Navy aerographer’s mates (AGs) are experts in meteorology and oceanography who provide environmental information to support Navy missions. AGs collect, record and analyze weather and oceanographic information. White is an aerographer’s mate currently stationed at CNATTU Keesler serving as a student.
CNATTU Keesler is a training command that falls under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), the largest shore command in the Navy with more than 24,000 military and staff personnel at more than 624 subordinate activities, sites, talent acquisition groups, stations, and detachments throughout the world. NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve our nation, taking them from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat-ready warfighters.
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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
White serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
White has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“While deployed aboard USS Gerald R. Ford, I was about to get off shift when a last-minute product, or forecast, came in from Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 142, the ‘Bear Aces,’” said White. “They needed a last-minute forecast, and I was the last assistant strike forecaster available, so I locked in and made the flight brief. Afterward, the pilot who needed the forecast came up and gave me a patch.”
White also recalled a personal moment that stood out during their service. After winning one of the coveted “first kiss” opportunities, a Navy homecoming tradition, White was among the first off the ship to greet their loved ones.
“I had one of the first kisses when the USS Gerald R. Ford made it back to Norfolk in January,” said White. “I was one of the first sailors off the ship and it was so cold. My husband and I had just gotten married and we’d only spent a month together before I had to go out on deployment for eight months. It was so great that I was finally getting to see him. I was so grateful.”
White can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is very rewarding,” said White. “As an aerographer’s mate, I get to support and see a lot of things on the ship, and I get to help new sailors build a community.”
White is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to say thank you to my friends, family and my previous command, Strike Group Oceanography Team Norfolk,” said White. “I also want to send a big thanks to my husband. He has been very supportive and helpful throughout my Navy career.”
White plans to continue their education.
“I’m planning on starting college soon at Old Dominion University for a bachelor’s in political science and then a master’s in library sciences,” added White.