New Plymouth sailor supports U.S. Navy fighter jet mission By Ensign Andrew Hanchar, Navy Office of Community Outreach FALLON, Nev. – Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Chief Petty Officer Cody King, this story has ties to New Plymouth, Idaho, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink “I grew up on a farm where hard work and discipline was instilled in me from a young age,” King said. “Those values and skills have helped me make rank and stand out at my command.” King graduated from Ontario High School in 2010. King joined the Navy 16 years ago. “I joined the Navy looking for a job that I knew could be a fulfilling career,” King said. “I knew there was more for me out in the world and the Navy gave me that, along with structure and a purpose.” Today, King serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center 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. King has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I am most proud of advancing to the rank of chief petty officer and that my wife, kids and parents were able to pin my anchors on me during the promotion ceremony,” King said. King 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 means working hard so others can enjoy their freedom,” King said. King is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I would like to thank my wife, Nichole, for always being by my side and always having my back,” King said. “Having family back in Idaho cheering me on makes this job so meaningful.” Posted by Navy Office Of Community Outreach ...read more read less