(Media release from the U.S. Navy’s Office of Community Outreach, written by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel):
Lt. Cmdr. Emily Barrale, a native of Rome, Georgia, serves with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 51, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Barrale, a 2005 graduate of Armuchee High School, graduated from the Naval Academy in 2009. Barrale joined the Navy 14 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to fly aircraft,” said Barrale. “I fell in love with flying when I was 16 and knew how expensive it was to become a pilot as a civilian because I worked at a flight school. My Uncle Bob is an Air Force veteran and he guided me on my path to becoming a pilot in the Navy.”
Today, Barrale relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Rome to succeed in the military.
“Being involved in sports growing up, I learned how to work together as a team to accomplish a common goal with people who are also dedicated to putting every effort into reaching that goal,” said Barrale.
These lessons have helped Barrale while serving in the Navy.
VR-51, nicknamed “Windjammers,” is responsible for maintaining and operating C-40A Clipper aircraft and moving and supplying maritime combat forces worldwide. VR-51 personnel also deploy to three overseas duty stations on rotational schedules throughout the year.
C-40A Clipper aircraft is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport and operates at speeds in excess of 500 mph and altitudes up to 41,000 feet and is capable of carrying seven crewmembers, 121 passengers, 30,000 pounds of cargo or various combined passenger/cargo loads. It provides critical logistics support to the United States Navy.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Barrale is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we are able to take a fighting force anywhere in the world,” said Barrale. “We can have an aircraft carrier on the shores of any country within a relatively short period of time.”
Barrale and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest days in the Navy happened when I was flying while pregnant with my first child,” said Barrale. “I was in my second trimester and we had to make an emergency landing with an engine down. Now that she is old enough, I tell my daughter, ‘You have an emergency landing under your belt.’ She always beams with pride. That it brings her joy makes me proud as a mom and as a pilot.”
As Barrale and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose,” said Barrale. “I have always felt that what we do is important and the people that I work with are special.”
Barrale is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“The number of people I would have to thank is a mile long, but I’d really like to thank my brother, Ben Cordle, because we have always had a rivalry,” said Barrale. “He has always set the bar high and if he hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has set such a great example for me and I’m very thankful.”
