Naval Aviators Research Paper

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With adrenaline rushing through the body, a fighter jet rolls over 360 degrees, accelerating faster than the speed of sound. This rocketing machine can only be controlled by the most daring people in the world: a naval aviator. These pilots fly for the United States Navy, representing the nation in its powerful armed forces. Naval aviators don’t just fly planes; they train physically, mentally, and emotionally to protect their country and even the world. Indeed, naval aviators experience the rarest of opportunities: flying the most advanced aircraft and going up to twice the speed of sound. It’s why only the toughest individuals can undertake all the vigorous training necessary to pursue this career. Although becoming a naval aviator is a long …show more content…

The first flight training center was established in Pensacola in 1914, and the naval aviators saw their first major battle in France of June 1917, fighting in World War I (Wooldrige). Likewise, one of the turning points of World War II, the Battle of Midway, proved the real importance of naval aviators. Three squadrons of dive bombers destroyed four Japanese carriers and gave hope to the American nation (Evans and Grossnick 207). “A large part of America 's military success was due to the superiority of its air forces” (Ferguson). When the war ended, the United States was considered the strongest military power in the West. After the war era, the Navy introduced new technology, pushing them into the jet age. Jet-propelled carrier aircraft replaced the ancient piston-engined aircraft, which were slow and inaccurate. “Many of naval aviation 's aircraft for the 1990s and the 21st century were introduced in the 1980s” (Wooldridge). Today, naval aviation is improving with the new technology advancements and increased interest in the …show more content…

One of the disadvantages to naval aviation is that it’s dangerous, unpredictable, and requires a lot of time commitment. Naval pilots have unstable futures - they can be deployed to war anytime anywhere, leave their family, or even die in battle. Thus, these unpredictable paths cause naval aviators to make a lot of sacrifices, whether it be moving a lot, working strange and irregular hours, being oversea for lengthy durations of time, or staying away from family. Flying for long periods of time may also cause jet-lag and erratic sleep patterns. In addition, naval aviators, like other armed forces, are required to serve for a long period of time. For naval aviators and flight officers, it is mandatory to serve at least eight to ten years in the Navy (America’s Navy). Becoming a naval aviator is a stressful life with a lot of ups and