Face of Defense: From Classroom Excellence to Soaring With the Blue Angels

View Online Face of Defense: From Classroom Excellence to Soaring With the Blue Angels Oct. 2, 2024 | By Austen McClain Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Kaminski's journey from a small town in Maryland to a supervisory position with the prestigious Blue Angels team is not only a testament to his personal dedication and world-class naval training but also to a rich family legacy of military service. Inspired by family members who served in the Navy, Kaminski has carved his own path in naval aviation, and his story exemplifies the Navy's commitment to training and developing elite sailors. A Legacy of Service For Kaminski, the decision to join the Navy was deeply influenced by his family, starting with both of his grandfathers and a cousin, all of whom served in the Navy. His grandfather, Thomas Kaminski, served as a petty officer first class from 1940 to 1945 during World War II, aboard the USS Beaver and USS Cebu. His other grandfather, Herbert "Dee" Diamond, was a petty officer second class, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis with Patrol Squadron 16 "War Eagles" on the P2V Neptune. Kaminski's cousin, Todd Bailey, retired as a master chief petty officer after more than 20 years of service across various commands worldwide. "All three of these men introduced me to the Navy at a young age, including taking me to see the Blue Angels when I was around six years old," Kaminski recalls. "When I showed a real interest in the Navy, Todd guided me through the process and has been a mentor to me throughout my career." Though Kaminski didn't join the Navy until he was 25, his family's influence and their shared stories of service inspired him to pursue his career, ultimately shaping his decision to become part of one of the Navy's most elite aviation teams.  Laying the Foundation for Success Kaminski's formal Navy journey began when he attended the Airframes "A" School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, in March 2018. Reflecting on his initial experiences with Naval Education and Training Command and NATTC, Kaminski recalls how the training he received was fundamental to his success in the fleet.    "NATTC set the tone for the beginning of my career in naval aviation," Kaminski explains. "The instructors and curriculum provided me with the essential theories and concepts of aviation, which I still rely on today."    After completing his training, Kaminski's first assignment took him to the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington. He later served with the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron 102 in Iwakuni, Japan, where he completed two deployments aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. His ability to understand and read hydraulic schematics, a critical skill honed at NATTC, proved invaluable as he tackled complex maintenance challenges throughout his career. Joining the Blue Angels  In 2022, Kaminski applied for a position with the Blue Angels, a decision he describes as one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of his career. Now a supervisor within the Blue Angels' airframes work center, Kaminski oversees a team that specializes in the hydraulic systems, landing gear, flight controls and composite/sheet metal structural repair on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.   "The camaraderie and teamwork taught at NATTC are very similar to what we practice at the Blue Angels," Kaminski says. "These values are instilled in sailors from the beginning and are essential for mission success, especially in high-pressure environments."   Kaminski takes great pride in showcasing the Navy and Marine Corps' capabilities to the public, describing it as an opportunity to inspire youth while highlighting the teamwork and dedication that keep the Navy running smoothly. "Being able to show a small piece of what the Navy and Marine Corps do on a daily basis is something that will stay with me for life," Kaminski adds. Kaminski said it's hard to choose a single favorite Blue Angels maneuver. "I really like the Double Farvel. It's very unique and as the season progresses, the pilots really get it dialed in."  A Life Beyond the Navy  Outside of his professional duties, Kaminski is passionate about fishing, music, photography and fitness. "The nice thing about the Navy is that you're often near water, which brings great fishing opportunities," he says. Music, a hobby he's had long before joining the military, continues to be a creative outlet for him.  However, Kaminski emphasizes that the greatest gift the Navy has given him is the relationships he's built. "The best thing the Navy has offered me is the opportunity to make lifelong friends who have turned into family, along with the chance to travel the world."  As the Navy continues to evolve, foundational training through NETC remains crucial. By leveraging cutting-edge learning science and technology, NETC is dedicated to recruiting the best future sailors and delivering world-class education and training that equips them for success in the fleet.    Kaminski's career is a shining example of the Navy's commitment to developing top-tier warfighters. His journey from the classrooms of NATTC to his role with the Blue Angels demonstrates the Navy's dedication to building a lethal and survivable fleet through elite vocational training.

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