Carmel’s own Clay Wright serves with next generation of U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Osborne
Navy Office of Community Outreach

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Ensign Clay Wright, a native of Carmel, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 28 where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world.

Wright, a 2018 graduate of Cathedral High School, joined the Navy two years ago. Wright also earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Vanderbilt University in 2022.

“All of the role models in my life have a military background,” said Wright. “I saw how it tested their personal growth and I wanted that. I was already interested in aviation because my dad is a civilian pilot and the Navy gave me the chance to make a career of flying.”

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Carmel.

“My parents instilled the values of hard work and honesty early in life,” said Wright. “They taught me to put my best foot forward in anything I set my mind to accomplish.”

Today, Wright serves as a student pilot assigned to VT 28, a U.S. Navy primary flight training squadron located at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.

“I like the camaraderie even though we are competing against each other,” said Wright. “I also enjoy that it is not a monotonous job. Every day is a different challenge and you have to stay flexible.”

The aviation squadron’s primary mission is to train future naval aviators to fly as well as instill leadership and officer values, Navy officials explained. Students must complete many phases of flight training to graduate, including aviation preflight indoctrination, primary flight training, and advanced flight training. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”

After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet, or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. These aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea.

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 percent 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.

Wright 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.”

Wright has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of my first solo flight because it built my confidence,” said Wright.

Wright can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy offers a unique lifestyle,” said Wright. “There are so many opportunities to have a fulfilling career and no matter which direction you turn, you have an opportunity to touch the lives of others and make them better.”

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

“I want to thank my parents, Jean and Aaron, for being loving and supporting me throughout my life,” added Wright. “I also want to thank my brother, Owen, for always pushing me to be better.”