OAK HARBOR, WA -- Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Cooper, a native of Southbury, Connecticut, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Training Technical Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island, where sailors learn the skills needed to ensure aircraft are mission-ready.

Cooper graduated from Nonnewaug High School in 2006.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Southbury.

“The values I carry from my hometown were deeply ingrained in me by my family, friends and involvement in sports,” said Cooper. “These teachings include the importance of hard work, honesty and trustworthiness. I learned never to shake another person’s hand while sitting down and to treat everyone with the respect. I strive to uphold the reputation of the Cooper family name in everything I do, ensuring I honor it and make my family proud.”

Cooper is an instructor developing the skills required for naval aviation warfighting. Students are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their careers. Instructors and staff are experts in the subject matter they teach and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready warfighters.

Cooper joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Cooper serves as a naval aircrewman (operator).

“My decision to join the Navy was influenced by the military legacies of both my grandfathers,” said Cooper. “One served in the Air Force and the other in the Marine Corps. After three years as a mathematics major at Western Connecticut State University, I found myself overwhelmed and burnt out from balancing full-time jobs, commuting and trying to focus full-time on my studies. Seeking a change to regain control of my life, I turned to my grandfather (Papa), who had served in the Marine Corps, for guidance. His advice prompted me to choose the Navy as a new path forward, offering structure and a fresh start to steer my life in a positive direction.”

CNATTU Whidbey Island provides two shipboard aircraft firefighting courses in a live fire training environment where sailors learn to use essential teamwork and communication skills to be successful. Shipboard firefighting is a critical skill set every sailor deploying on board a ship must possess to save lives and equipment in the event of an emergency.

According to Navy officials, CNATTU’s mission is to produce resilient sailors and Marines with the necessary knowledge and skills to troubleshoot and maintain aircraft systems. These high-quality trained maintainers will provide the fleet with the aircraft readiness needed to succeed in combat.

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Cooper serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Cooper has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My greatest achievement in the Navy is my upcoming commission as a chief warrant officer in the Aviation Operations Technician community,” said Cooper. “Since joining, I’ve been dedicated to becoming a Navy officer, having submitted five seaman-to-admiral (STA-21) applications with the goal of completing my college degree and becoming a Mustang. In 2024, I shattered my glass ceiling by earning a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering technology from the University of Southern Mississippi with summa *** laude honors, while also achieving my commission this November.”

Cooper can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy signifies my commitment to risking my life for the safety and improvement of my family, particularly my wife and son,” said Cooper. “I envision a world where my son can grow up without fear, enjoying all the rights and freedoms bestowed upon him as a citizen of the United States of America.”