Page 5 - MidWeek Windward - May 25, 2022

MAY 25, 2022 5
Recent Kailua High Graduate Assists TOPGUN Aviators
Airman Royal Crowell is a 2020 Kailua High School graduate and a U.S. Navy sailor serving with Naval Aviation Warfare Devel- opment Center, which sup- ports TOPGUN aviators at the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center.
“I participated in ROTC in high school and always knew I wanted to be a part of the military ... I joined the Navy because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
course are trained in a va- riety of areas including air combat, jet maneuverabili- ty, enemy tactics and more.
“I participated in ROTC in high school and always knew I wanted to be a part of the military,” states Crowell.
Fifty-two years ago, TOPGUN was introduced with the mission of re- ducing casualties of naval aviators sustained during the Vietnam War. Within a year, this goal was reached with the United States hav- ing one casualty for every 12 enemy deaths.
in May 1986, with a sequel titled Top Gun: Maverick released this week.
“Every sailor plays an important role in the Na- vy’s projection of power and focus on freedom of navigation globally,” Crow- ell states. “Completing my initial rate training has been the most fulfilling experi- ence I’ve had so far. It has prepared me to go on and have a successful career.”
He adds that these les- sons have helped him while serving in the Navy. Today, Crowell serves as an avia- tion structural mechanic at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada.
“I am extremely excit- ed about the impact this movie will have,” states Vice Adm. Kenneth White- sell, commander Naval Air Forces.
Crowell and other sail- ors continue to train and perform missions, and he shares that they take pride in serving their nation in the U.S. Navy.
“I joined the Navy be- cause I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” states Crowell.
Royal Crowell, a 2020 Kailua High School graduate, is an aviation structural mechanic. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. NAVY
Since then, TOPGUN continues to train naval avi- ators and has inspired one blockbuster movie released
According to Navy offi- cials, TOPGUN is a pres- tigious program only open to the top 1% of naval avi- ators. Those who attend the
“Serving in the Navy means I can be a role mod- el to family and friends,” Crowell adds.