Ensign Corinna Edgar earned her Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from Texas A&M in 2022. The Austin, Texas native says she always wanted employment outside of the traditional nine-to-five job, and the Navy seemed like her best choice. Serving in the Navy turned out to be the perfect match for her skills and talents. Now, she’s assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 27 – where naval aviators learn the disciplines they need to fly missions around the world. Edgar is stationed at Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas.
“The people in the aviation community are awesome here,” said Edgar. “We are so focused on learning, and this has pushed me to the limit of what I thought I could do. My instructor pilots are always there for me. They know when to push and when to back off. It’s a very family- oriented environment.”
Of course, the squadron’s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly – but there’s much more to it. Instilling leadership and officer values is key to building a strong student, and to set up a strong career in the future. It’s a rigorous program that trains students the values required of a United States aviator. It’s how these students earn their ‘Wings of Gold’ upon Completion.
After graduation, each pilot focuses on learning to fly a specific aircraft, including the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet, and the SH-60 Seahawk Helicopter. These aircraft take off and land on Navy aircraft carriers currently at sea – a ‘self-contained mobile airport’ with a crew of more than 5,000 sailors. Aircraft carriers can operate freely in oceans and seas around the world, making them vital for international missions.
Edgar is very grateful to those in her life who made her Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Roger and Patti, for supporting me,” added Edgar. “I have had great mentors, starting at Texas A&M. I wouldn’t have had the courage to even try to be a pilot if it had not been for the upperclassmen who pushed me.”
90 percent of global commerce travels by sea. Access to the internet is dependent on undersea fiber optic cables. It takes a talented team of heroes to keep these cables protected – and the The Navy is always on the lookout to recruit and retain talented individuals. The Navy operates around the clock and around the world. Being proud of the work of current and future naval aviators like Edgar is something we can all do. The Navy is ready to teach determined students like Edgar.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day. Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.” – Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations
