By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jennifer Gold, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Pulawski, a native of Tampa, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Pulawski joined the Navy five and a half years ago. Today, Pulawski serves as an aviation machinist’s mate supporting missions flown by the Navy’s newest long-range, medium-lift aircraft: the CMV-22B Osprey.
“My grandpa was in the Navy and I am the next generation to serve,” said Pulawski. “I wanted to continue to serve and carry on my family’s legacy.”
Growing up in Tampa, Pulawski attended Frank W. Springstead High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Pulawski uses the same skills and values learned in Tampa to succeed in the military.
“I learned early in life the importance of determination to finish what I start no matter what hurdles come with the task–completion of it is very rewarding,” said Pulawski. “This has helped me in the Navy when I encounter a problem with the aircraft, I complete the job and get the aircraft up and running again.”
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
“The men and women of VRM 30 deliver lethality and combat effectiveness to the Carrier Strike Group,” said Cmdr. Steve Parente, VRM 30’s commanding officer. “Through the sustainment of high priority logistics and critical personnel, our worldwide deployable CMV-22 Detachments directly enable the combat power of the world’s most powerful Navy anytime, anywhere. The Titans are extremely proud of their significant responsibility and steadfast service in the defense of our great nation.”
Jesse Hawthorne
Serving in the Navy means Pulawski is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Pulawski and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’m most proud of crossing the equator and getting my Shellback certificate,” said Pulawski. “It’s a tradition that I’m proud of. My certificate is framed and displayed right next to my grandfather’s certificate.”
As Pulawski and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means coming together with other sailors to protect the freedoms everyone deserves,” added Pulawski.
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