Greenfield native serves with the next generation of U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters

Ensign Andrew Logan, a native of Greenfield, is serving in the U.S. Navy amongst sailors, Marines and guardsmen at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) who are developing the skills needed to be a combat-ready aviation professional.

Logan is a 2014 graduate of Greenfield Central High School.

Logan joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Logan is a student at NASC.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” Logan said. “I didn't have any luck doing something that I enjoyed in the civilian world.”

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

“My swim coaches always said, ‘There’s no crying in swimming; don’t ever quit,'” Logan said. "Push through and come out the other side stronger."

Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, NASC provides an educational foundation in technical training, character development and professional leadership to prepare Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and partner nation officers and enlisted students to be combat quality aviation professionals, and deliver them at the right time, in the right numbers, to be the forces their nation needs.

NASC is comprised of four schoolhouses: Aviation Training School (ATS), Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training (AEATS), Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) and Aviation Water Survival School (AWS), with instructor cadres that provide a well-rounded curriculum of academics and physical training on topics such as aviation training, aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures, that produce the highest quality officer and enlisted aviation personnel for the U. S. military.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Logan serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

Logan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is commissioning as an officer and earning my 'dolphins,' otherwise known as the submarine warfare qualification," Logan said.

Logan can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something greater than myself,” Logan said. "It means serving the country I love and care for."

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

"I would like to thank my wife, Hayley, my parents, Mark and Emily, and my grandparents, Larry and Linda, for always supporting me in every way they can," Logan said. 

“I hope to get my naval aircrew wings in a couple of years,” Logan added. "I'm hoping to do this as long as it remains fun."