Roseville High School graduate serving on U.S. Navy floating airport
San Diego, Calif. – Airman Tyler Connolly, a native of Roseville, California, serves aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.
Equipped with a full flight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack fighter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world.
2023 Roseville High School graduate
Connolly graduated from Roseville High School in 2023.
Connolly joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Connolly serves as an aviation boatswain’s mate (handling).
“The reason I joined the Navy was because I wanted to be the first in my immediate family to serve in the military,” said Connolly.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Roseville.
“While I was in high school, I had four jobs and learned how important it was to manage all of what needed to be done,” said Connolly.
Centerpiece of America’s Naval force
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
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.
Connolly serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Connolly has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that I took the first steps needed to join the military,” said Connolly.
Connolly can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that even though I’ve completed the first steps required to succeed, I still have a lot to do, so I have to keep pushing forward,” said Connolly.
Connolly is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Kim, for supporting me in my career choice,” added Connolly. “I’d also like to thank my girlfriend, Maddie, for her support.”
