PENSACOLA, Fla. – Ensign Lyric Austria, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is serving in the U.S. Navy amongst sailors, Marines and guardsmen at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) who are developing the skills needed to be a combat-ready aviation professional.
Austria is a 2021 graduate of Salem High School and a Naval ROTC Hampton Roads graduate.
Austria joined the Navy less than a year ago. Today, Austria is a student at NASC.
“My grandfather was a senior chief petty officer in the Navy in Vietnam, and I wanted to be the first naval aviator and first naval officer in my family,” Austria said. “I want to develop leaders myself and help them achieve the goals they set in the military. There is a huge Navy influence living in and around the Virginia Beach area.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Virginia Beach.
“My hometown taught me about teamwork, remaining humble all the time and lending a hand to those who are struggling,” Austria said. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there in terms of leadership. Always be available.”
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, NASC provides an educational foundation in technical training, character development and professional leadership to prepare Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and partner nation officers and enlisted students to be combat quality aviation professionals, and deliver them at the right time, in the right numbers, to be the forces their nation needs.
NASC is comprised of four schoolhouses: Aviation Training School (ATS), Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training (AEATS), Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) and Aviation Water Survival School (AWS), with instructor cadres that provide a well-rounded curriculum of academics and physical training on topics such as aviation training. aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures, that produce the highest quality officer and enlisted aviation personnel for the U. S. military.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Austria serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Austria has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is starting my journey as a naval aviator,” Austria said. “I’m really grateful for the chance to come to Pensacola and meet new people.”
Austria can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means to me that I get to lead people,” Austria said. “I get to put on this uniform every day and defend our country.”
Austria is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandparents, Bert and Cecilia Austria, my mom, Melanie, and my fiancé, Kara,” Austria added. “They have always been there to help me both financially and mentally. I’m glad to have them in my corner.”
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tracey Bannister, Navy Office of Community Outreach