PENSACOLA, Florida — A 2009 Robertsdale High School graduate and Robertsdale native is serving at the Navy’s premier and largest aviation training center.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Cooper works as a boatswain's mate and operates out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola.

A Navy boatswain's mate is responsible for maintenance and preservation of the ship, but at this command he serves as the 1st lieutenant leading petty officer in charge of setting up for ceremonies around base and maintaining the headquarters building.

“I come from a small town so it's all about community and family," said Cooper. "And that's what it's like here, we look out for each other.”

NAS Pensacola, “The Cradle of Naval Aviation” is best known as the initial primary training base for all U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard officers pursuing designations as Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers.

It takes a lot of manpower to support and train pilots, but there is much more to this base that employs 16,000 military and 7,400 civilians. This includes major tenant commands: Naval Aviation Schools Command, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and 23, the Blue Angels, and the headquarters for Naval Education Training Command (NETC), a command which combines direction and control of all Navy education and training.

As the premier naval installation in the Department of the Navy (DoN) NAS Pensacola provides base and operational support functions such as quality of life, administration, logistics, facilities, comptroller, management administration and operations (airfield, port, security, fire and search and rescue).

“I’m so proud of the entire team throughout our aviation enterprise,” said Capt. Christopher T. Martin, Commander Naval Air Station Pensacola. “The future of NAS Pensacola is bright, and we’re only going to continue to adapt and evolve as we prepare to efficiently deliver the very best readiness from the shore.”

“As sailors forged by the sea, we will continue to be the Navy the Nation Needs. One of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Lines of Effort is what we do best, strengthening our Navy team for the future,” said Martin.

Cooper has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My great uncle, my great-grandfather, my dad and my grandfather all served,” said Cooper.

Cooper is also proud of being selected as the installation Sailor of the Year last year.

Pensacola stands up to the expectations and provides a perfect environment for the workers and their families. The citizens benefit from all the modern world advantages, from schools and hospitals to recreational areas, theaters, cinemas and multiple services.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Cooper and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“The military in general is the top one percent, so it makes me proud to be part of that and carry on the legacy and traditions of those who have come before us,” Cooper added.