PENSACOLA, Fla. — Scotts Valley High grad Heather Patterson is serving in the U.S. Navy amongst sailors, Marines and guardsmen at Naval Aviation Schools Command who are developing the skills needed to be a combat-ready aviation professional.
Patterson graduated in 2020 and joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, she is an ensign and student at NASC.
“Both of my parents served in the Navy,” Patterson said. “My dad flew P-3s and my mom was an air traffic controller.”
Patterson said her upbringing has helped her in the Navy.
“I grew up in a small town, so learning to work closely with others made a big difference,” Patterson said.
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.
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 training on topics such as aviation, aircrew duties, survival, and water rescue procedures.
“I’m proud of passing the water survival school,” Patterson said. “I want to thank my brothers, Brandon and Austin, for leading the way for me. They both set the bar really high. I also want to thank my friend, Ella DeBord, for always being there for me. She inspired me to reach for my dreams.”