Harrison Native Trains to Support U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

OAK HARBOR, Washington – Senior Chief Petty Officer Lauren Faulkner, a native of Harrison, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island, where sailors learn the skills needed to ensure aircraft are mission-ready.

Faulkner graduated from Harrison High School in 2004. Additionally, Faulkner is working toward a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a minor in management through Columbia College.

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

“Growing up in my hometown I learned the importance of being able to keep a tight family bond,” said Faulkner. “I’ve made friendships to last a lifetime. My Navy family, the sailors I serve with, are people who I will cherish forever.”

Faulkner is an instructor developing the skills required for naval aviation warfighting. Students are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their careers. Instructors and staff are experts in the subject matter they teach and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready warfighters.

Faulkner joined the Navy 20 years ago. Today, Faulkner serves as a naval aircrewman (operator).

“I joined the Navy to gain opportunities that traditional college couldn’t provide, to travel and to set myself up for success,” said Faulkner.

CNATTU Whidbey Island provides two shipboard aircraft firefighting courses in a live fire training environment where sailors learn to use essential teamwork and communication skills to be successful. Shipboard firefighting is a critical skill set every sailor deploying on board a ship must possess to save lives and equipment in the event of an emergency.

According to Navy officials, CNATTU’s mission is to produce resilient sailors and Marines with the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and maintain aircraft systems. These high-quality trained maintainers will provide the fleet with the aircraft readiness needed to succeed in combat.

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.

Faulkner 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.”

Faulkner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Advancing to the rank of senior chief felt pretty good,” said Faulkner. “It was a rank I didn’t think I ever would attain. There are only two female naval aircrew operator senior chiefs in the Navy and we’re friends. She’s about to be promoted to master chief. Some of my other proudest moments were when my husband was promoted to chief and when my best friend was meritoriously promoted to yeoman first class.”

Faulkner can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I love the people and the connections I have made,” said Faulkner. “It’s a great feeling to serve with America’s finest. Also, we have the best-looking uniforms.”

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

“I want to thank my mom and dad, Dennis and Marsha Henry, for being there for the last 20 years,” added Faulkner.