WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyler Leimbach, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Leimbach joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Leimbach serves at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30.
“I joined the Navy for the education benefits,” said Leimbach. “My family has a long history of serving in the Navy and I wanted to keep that tradition alive.”
Growing up in Kalamazoo, Leimbach attended Hartford High School and graduated in 2011.
Today, Leimbach relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Kalamazoo to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned about the value of hard work,” said Leimbach. “I’ve had my work ethic since childhood and that has taken me a long way.”
These lessons have helped Leimbach while serving at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30.
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
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 women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft. According to Navy officials, 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.
As a member of the Navy, Leimbach is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important because we protect American interests both at home and abroad,” said Leimbach.
Leimbach has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of making the rank of E-5 in two years and carrying on my family’s tradition of service,” said Leimbach.
As Leimbach and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“For me, serving in the Navy is about giving back to my country,” said Leimbach. “Growing up here and being born here has afforded me a lot of opportunities that other people don’t have. I want to give back to my country for those opportunities.”
Leimbach is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandfather,” said Leimbach. “He was like a father figure for me growing up. He served in the Navy and his stories were a big inspiration for me to join.”
