CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Newport native is working for the U.S. Navy supporting the training of naval aviation personnel and air operations.
Maurice Alcorn, a 1991 Newport High School graduate, previously served in the Navy for 24 years as a Master-at-Arms Chief Petty Officer.
“A lot of my family members have previously served and still serve, so I wanted to be a part of that family tradition,” said Alcorn.
Alcorn serves in the civil service as a security specialist at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. NAS Corpus Christi provides service and facilities support of Chief of Naval Air Training and Corpus Christi Army Depot.
“I still wanted to commit to serving my country in a civilian capacity,” added Alcron. “I’m responsible for vetting both military and civilians using security background checks to ensure they are trustworthy for base access and handling both classified and sensitive material.”
The air training program focuses on the increased complexity of today’s aircraft. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. These aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
“From my hometown, I learned to love your community,” said Alcorn. “We were very neighborly and watched out for one another. We worked hard, made sacrifices, and that is a big part of my success in the Navy.”
Since USS Langley’s commissioning 100 years ago, the nation’s aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
“The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy’s centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. “These ships touch every part of our Navy’s mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries.”
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 ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Serving in the Navy means Alcorn 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.
“The Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy,” said Alcorn.
Alcorn had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was obtaining the rank of chief petty officer,” said Alcorn. “This was a testament of all the hard work that I put into my job and an appreciation from my chain of command. It was a goal that was very difficult to obtain. Less than one percent in the Navy at that time, was selected to advance to chief. Since being in the civil service, my proudest accomplishment was being named Civilian of the Year for 2019.”
Alcorn and others take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’m still committed to the cause by giving back to our sailors in the fleet in a civilian capacity,” said Alcorn. “Serving in the Navy was a tremendous honor. I love having the opportunity to continue serving my country.”
Alcorn is grateful to loved ones back home for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for their love and support in my decision to serve my country,” added Alcorn.
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