Whitehouse sailor supports U.S. Navy fighter jet mission
FALLON, Nev. – Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Mason Wright, this story has ties to Whitehouse, Texas, where Wright’s mother resides.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
Skills and values learned in Whitehouse are foundational to success in the Navy.
“I’ve seen many people miss out on seeing the world because of the fear of leaving their hometown,” Wright said. “I’ll never regret seeking opportunities.”
Wright graduated from Longview Early Graduation High School in 2016. Additionally, Wright is working toward a bachelor’s degree in management information systems through the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Wright joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to be a better role model for my brothers,” Wright said. “It was the first recruiter’s office I went to.”
Today, Wright serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to Navy Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division Detachment Fallon onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon.
The air station provides joint and allied nation rotational forces the unique opportunity to train in realistic combat scenarios while employing every element of an air carrier wing. It is the only facility in the world with this ability. The aircraft stationed at NAS Fallon support aircraft carrier missions around the world.
NAS Fallon is host to 21 tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). As the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, NAWDC is home to multiple weapons training schools, including TOPGUN. In 1969, TOPGUN was introduced with the mission of reducing casualties of naval aviators sustained during the Vietnam War. Within a year, this goal was reached with the United States having one casualty for every 12 enemy deaths. Since then, TOPGUN has continued to train the finest naval aviators and has inspired two blockbuster movies, one released in 1986 and its sequel released in 2022.
Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
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.
Wright has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to give my kids the best life possible,” Wright said. “I also love being a mentor to sailors.”
Wright serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
“Serving in the Navy has completely altered my life for the better,” Wright said.
“The people I’ve met and places I’ve seen have been incredible.”
Wright is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, my dad and everyone else who has supported me in my journey,” Wright said. “The Navy brings some hard times to your loved ones. They’ve supported me through all of it.”
