Ensign Grant Williams
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey
Ensign Grant Williams, a native of Signal Mountain, is serving in the U.S. Navy where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world.
Mr. Williams, a 2018 graduate of Signal Mountain High School, joined the Navy 18 months ago. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial systems engineering from Auburn University in 2022.
“I wanted to continue the family tradition of serving my country,” said Mr. Williams. “My father, grandfathers and great-grandfathers all served in the Navy.”
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Signal Mountain.
“I learned through hard work and determination you can achieve anything you set your mind to,” said Mr.
Williams.
Today, Mr. Williams serves as a student pilot assigned to Training Air Wing Four (TRAWING 4) located at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Tx. TRAWING 4 comprises four training squadrons that conduct primary, intermediate and advanced flight training for Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard pilots.
“I’ve enjoyed the people I work and train with,” said Mr. Williams. “Being around other motivated students inspires me to do my best.”
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.
Mr. Williams serves a Navy that operates far 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.”
Mr. Williams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being selected for the flight training program,” said Mr. Williams. “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot and now I have that opportunity.”
Mr. Williams can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I have the opportunity to protect and defend my country and all of the people I love,” said Mr. Williams.
Mr. Williams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family, who have all supported me in my dream to become a naval aviator,” added Mr. Williams.