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November 15, 2013
GOSPORT
Two brothers stationed at NASWF share more than 150 years of family history in the area By Ens. Lindsey Stevenson NASWF PAO
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ith more than 150 years of family history in the Pensacola area, two brothers found themselves stationed at Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) at the same time and doing much the same work. Though they call Maryland home, the two brothers – Lt. Ryan M. Roy and Ens. Kevin P. Roy – returned to their family roots and are continuing a family legacy of service to country. Family history and a whole bunch of “sea stories” influenced the two men who both graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and were chosen for the aviation pipeline. They attribute their passion for the military to their parents. “My mom is a retired naval reserve officer in the nurse corps,” Ens. Roy recalled. “I would go with her to her reserve unit as a young kid. My dad would
tell me stories about when he was in the Navy. And once my brother went to the academy, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Having earned their commissions upon graduation – Lt. Roy in 2007, and Ens. Roy in 2012 – it was unexpected for them to find themselves stationed with Training Air Wing Five at the same time.
Lt. Roy is an instructor with Helicopter Training Squadron Eight, the same squadron from which he earned his Navy wings in 2009. Ens. Roy recently completed his primary training with Training Squadron Two (VT-2) and was selected for Maritime Advanced Training in Corpus Christi, Texas, Oct. 24. While it was unexpected, the brothers found it to be both a pleasant sur-
Halloween at NAS Whiting Field ... The NASWF Child Development Center (CDC) hosted a morning of Halloween fun as students dressed in costume to celebrate the event. CDC staff, volunteers and many parents spent a few hours of their time helping out with the festivities as the children were guided through a maze of activities – from ball toss, to arts and crafts, bowling, musical chairs and even a trolley ride and a bounce house. McGruff the Crime Dog made an appearance as well, greeting children and making sure they all knew how to stay safe when trick-or-treating later that night. (Above, right) Students bowl to earn prizes for their Halloween goodie bags as volunteers look on. Photo courtesy Ens. Emily Hegarty
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Lt. Ryan Roy (left) and Ens. Kevin Roy pose with their father, Walter, during a family visit to the NAS Whiting Field coffee shop in September. The two brothers often spend time there catching up in between flights. Photo courtesy of Walter Roy
prise and helpful to each other’s success. Lt. Roy explained that he intends to use their flight school experiences to shape his teaching methods. “We both wanted instructors that put you in the mindset to do well and make you comfortable to perform at your best level,” he said. Being stationed at NAS Whiting Field enabled the two pilots to live near each other for the first time since 2003. They were happy to bond in experiencing the demands of training together; while the younger Roy was in primary flight training, Lt. Roy was completing training at the Helicopter Instructor Training Unit (HIT-U). Pensacola was not unchartered territory to the brothers due to the family’s extended service in the area. It has been their home for much of their lives, and they still have relatives in Northwest Florida. The boy’s parents
also have strong ties to the region. Walter Roy, their father, was born and raised near Naval Air Station Whiting Field. He went on to serve the Navy as a yeoman at NAS Ellyson Field, which was the original home of Helicopter Training Squadron Eight. “My dad owned a realestate business and was involved with helping to house many military families from Warrington and Pensacola through Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties, too,” Walter Roy explained about the family’s legacy in the community. “My mom’s family had relatives in the Brewton (Ala.) area.” The boys’ mother, Lt. Cmdr. Jeannie C. Roy, also served in the Navy, and spent time as nurse at Naval Hospital Pensacola. The inspiration received from their parents has encouraged the boys’ military pursuits, and Ens. Roy has an additional role model in
his brother. He emphasized that through his brother he has learned a lot of personal lessons about being an officer and an aviator. “The biggest thing I’ve learned from him is that you can be nice to everyone and still be respected,” said Ens. Roy. Lt. Roy likewise hopes he sets the right example. “I like to think he looks up to me and I try to be a good influence,” Lt. Roy said when asked if his decision to join aviation influenced his younger brother. Both brothers say they will miss being able to get together and go fishing at the beach or hang out at the coffee shop between flights when Ens. Roy leaves for Corpus Cristi. “I’m glad we got to hang out together with our wives, just spending time together,” Lt. Roy said, expressing his gratitude for the months spent together here.