Mint Hill native supports Super Hornet jet aircraft

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Collins, a native of Mint Hill, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Collins graduated from Butler High School in 2001.

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

“My hometown instilled a strong work ethic in me,” Collins said. “I learned from my father and brothers-in-law to always work hard and do the job right. I also spent a lot of time in the Scouts while growing up which taught me how to be there for others.”

Collins joined the Navy 22 years ago. Today, he serves with the designation of aviation maintenance.

“After the 9/11 attacks, I dropped out of college and joined the Navy,” Collins said. “I wanted to do my part in defending the United States by serving my country.”

The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.

Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.

Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.

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.

Collins 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."

Collins has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is serving with the Blue Angels,” Collins said. “It was an awesome experience. I got to go to 72 different cities across the United States, meet lots of people and helped with Blue Angel maintenance and maritime recruiting efforts.”

Collins can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Navy service is a way for me to play a role in keeping our freedom and way of life protected,” Collins said 

Collins is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my father, who served in the Navy, along with the rest of my family,” Collins said. “I would also like to thank my wife, who has supported me and tagged along by my side for the past 15 years.”