Petty Officer 2nd Class Cole Statz, a native of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10).
Statz graduated from Assumption High School in 2019. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Wisconsin Rapids.
“I grew up with a close family unit and worked doing construction with my dad,” Statz said. “I learned how to be mechanically inclined, so I was able to take those lessons and apply them to my job in the Navy.”
Statz joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Statz serves as an aviation structural mechanic. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in college and didn’t want debt,” Statz said. “My grandfather was in the Navy. He passed when I was young, but my family had his uniforms, and I remember looking at them and trying them on, and I thought maybe I would look into joining.”
VP-10 is one of the original and oldest aviation squadrons in the U.S. Navy. The squadron was originally formed in 1921 as a derivative of VS-15. However, it traces its official heritage to July 1, 1930, with the commissioning of Patrol Bombing Squadron 10S. Members of VP-10 fly and maintain the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.
Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. P-8A aircraft deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
“The men and women of Patrol Squadron TEN are the driving force behind the Red Lancers’ combat readiness and tactical excellence,” said Cmdr. Jason Coons, commanding officer of VP-10. “By relentlessly honing their craft in anti-submarine warfare and P-8A overwatch, they ensure our national interests are protected every single day.”
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.
Statz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I am most proud of taking young sailors who are brand new to the Navy and this platform and training them and helping them get qualifications,” Statz said. “I then get to see them succeed in their career.”
Statz serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security. “Serving means that I can grow professionally and learn lessons that I can apply in the rest of my life,” Statz said. Statz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for always reaching out and being supportive,” Statz added. “I also want to thank Petty Officer 1st Class Kennedy, Petty Officer 1st Class Jones and Chief Select Devlin. They all really helped me grow, get my qualifications and improve at my job. Chief Select was always the best to be around, fun to hang out with and good at managing. And last but not least, GO PACKERS!”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
(Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy via press release)
Comments