In Nevada’s high desert is the Navy’s premiere tactical air warfare training center, home to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center and it’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known to the world as TOPGUN.
A 2010 E.J. Wilson High School graduate and Spencerport native is part of the Navy’s finest aviation fighter training facility in the world.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Glende is an aviation warfare systems operator working with the NAS Fallon Search and Rescue stationed aboard Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada.
As a Navy aviation warfare systems operator working with search and rescue, Glende is responsible for providing high altitude technical search and rescue capabilities for Naval Aviation Warfighter Development Center, NAS Fallon and the surrounding area as well as specialized water rescue.
“I was considering a few options, but ultimately decided to join the Navy because it offered more adventure and opportunities,” said Glende.
TOPGUN began 48 years ago with the determination of nine pilots, the skepticism of the government and almost no budget as history would recall. In the early years it turned the tide of a losing air war in Vietnam, revolutionized military doctrine, inspired a Hollywood blockbuster and attracted and trained the best allied pilots and air crew from all over the world.
Glende plays a crucial role in the overall mission that flies over 5,000 adversary sorties per year in support of the Navy and Marine Corps Active and Reserve fleet and replacement squadrons, carrier air wings and marine aircraft groups including the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard and Canadian Forces.
“Nowhere in the world does the Navy have the ability to train as we do in NAS Fallon,” said NAS Fallon Commanding Officer Capt. David Halloran. “The Navy specifically chose NAS Fallon as the location for Top Gun and the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Ground Mobility Training Center because of the desert climate, mountainous terrain, and sophisticated ranges available in northern Nevada. Every Carrier Air Wing and Navy Seal Team is required to receive the essential training provided here prior to being deployed in theater.”
According to Navy officials, TOPGUN is highly competitive and exposes Navy and Marine Corps pilots to the most demanding training scenarios in fighter aviation led by some of the most talented pilots in the world. Each pilot is hand-selected for air-to-air and air-to-ground training and subsequently, as a TOPGUN instructor.
“Successfully completing rescue swimmer school is an accomplishment I am very proud of,” said Glende.
Glende also said they are proud to serve at the center of excellence for naval aviation, training and tactics development.
The future of U.S. aviation depends on the Navy’s ability to achieve their vision for defeating tomorrow’s air threats with the support of the ground crews and pilots.
“Serving in the Navy means being accountable for all of my actions and always reminds me to strive to be honorable,” added Glende.
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