Redmond High grad trains to support U.S. Navy warfighters

Published 5:15 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Sarha, a native of Redmond, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Training Technical Unit on Whidbey Island, where sailors learn the skills needed to ensure aircraft are mission-ready.

Sarha graduated from Redmond High School in 2019.

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

“Before joining the Navy, I worked at a fast-food restaurant for a couple of years and that job instilled in me the work ethic I have today,” said Sarha. “That work ethic has helped me get to where I am today.”

Sarha 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.

Sarha joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Sarha serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment).

“I joined the Navy because at the time I knew that schooling wasn’t what I wanted to do,” said Sarha.

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.

Sarha 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.”

Sarha has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to put on the rank of petty officer second class and being able to help my junior sailors achieve their goals and succeed in whatever they are doing,” said Sarha.

Sarha can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means I get to be part of the bigger picture,” added Sarha.