HOWELL The U.S. Navy has assigned Airman Apprentice Nicholas Sloan, a native of Howell Township, to the Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS), where he is working with the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs).
Sloan joined the Navy less than a year ago after graduating from the Academy of Law and Public Safety in 2024. He is a student rescue swimmer at the moment.
Sloan remarked, “I watched a documentary about the BUDS program.” I enlisted in the Navy to work as a crew member, gain experience as an aircrew member, and then apply to the BUDS/SEAL program.
Sloan pointed out that the ideals and abilities required to be successful in the Navy are comparable to those found in Howell.
“I learned to never give up no matter what in my hometown,” Sloan remarked. I learned from them to accept the challenges.
All preflight student naval aviators, student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and international student aviators receive initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification from the ARSS, which is based at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
The goal of the AIRRs team is to become the world’s best emergency response unit. As members of the most prestigious Special Operations unit in the world, they are trained to perform life-or-death rescues under the most trying circumstances. This could include swimming through roaring waves, jumping from helicopters, and rescuing victims whose lives are in danger. Some of the most hostile settings are possible for these search and rescue operations.
An AIRR’s slogan is “so others may live.” It demonstrates not only the altruism of this work but also the honor, bravery, and dedication required to perform it effectively.
The Navy promotes the security and prosperity of the country by operating 24/7 and all over the world. Sloan has numerous chances to succeed during his time in the military.
I’m most proud of my perseverance because, to me, being in the Navy means never giving up, regardless of past setbacks. It entails motivating others to follow suit. “Sloan said.” Serving in the Navy entails defending the Constitution, which grants us the liberties we enjoy in the world’s greatest nation. It entails serving with the world’s most powerful military and navy.
Sloan was appreciative of everyone who made a Navy career possible.
“I want to express my gratitude to my parents, Ehrin and Kevin Sloan,” Sloan continued. Additionally, I want to thank Keith Byard, my neighbor. He assisted me in making the switch from civilian to military life after he retired from the Marine Corps.
