Trabuco Canyon Native Carly Nolan Rises Through the Ranks of the U.S. Navy

Carly Nolan, a Petty Officer 2nd Class from Trabuco Canyon, California, has been serving in the U.S. Navy for two years, stationed at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 in San Diego, California. Nolan expressed her desire to serve her country and to have a job that is unique from anything she could imagine in civilian life.

Growing up in Trabuco Canyon, Nolan learned the importance of hard work, which has helped her excel in the Navy. Nolan attended Mission Viejo High School and graduated in 2019. She now uses the same values and skills to succeed in the military.

VRM aircraft, similar to the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey, is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for 40 years. The VRM aircraft are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft with an increased operational range, faster cargo loading and unloading, increased survivability, and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.

According to Navy officials, the mission of VRMs is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world. Navy officials emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy, as 90 percent of global commerce travels by sea, and access to the internet relies on the security of undersea fiber optic cables.

Nolan is proud to be part of the 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. As a member of the Navy, Nolan plays a crucial role in flying cargo and service members out to aircraft carriers and to the front lines, directly impacting the mission.

“Being a sailor and being able to become a naval aircrewman as well as earning my naval aircrew wings certification has been my proudest accomplishment,” said Nolan.

Nolan and other sailors take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy, where they work with people who care about others more than themselves and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their nation. As Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Gilday said, “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. This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”