PENSACOLA, Fla. — Airman Titus Pichura, a 2022 graduate of Huron High School, is currently serving at the Aviation Rescue Swimmer school for the U.S. Navy.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Huron, Pichura said.

“I learned from my hometown to be all in, all the time,” said Pichura. “I also learned that no matter what I am doing, I should do it with everything I have.”

Pichura joined the Navy 11 months ago.

“I joined the Navy to use the gifts I have been given to serve and protect others,” said Pichura.

Aviation Rescue Swimmer School provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and international student aviators.

Aviation rescue swimmers serve in treacherous conditions to complete life-saving missions like evacuating families during a storm, rescuing a crew off of a ship off the Pacific Coast or saving mountain climbers.

“Having a cadre of students who are eager to learn and extremely hardworking, ensures we offer the best and brightest to naval aviation and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community,” said Capt. Brad Arthur, commanding officer, Naval Aviation Schools Command.

Serving in the Navy means Pichura is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Pichura has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is chasing after my dreams and going to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training,” said Pichura. “A lot of people don’t have the gusto to join the military and chase after their dreams, so I am proud that I did. I wanted to be a SEAL since I was 12 so I am proud that I raised my hand and chased after that goal.”

As Pichura and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy gives me the chance to better myself while being able to protect the ones I love back home,” said Pichura.

Pichura is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my family,” added Pichura. “They helped me prepare for the Navy and have been supportive ever since.”