Rhinelander native serves with the next generation of U.S. Naval Aviation Warfighters

KINGSVILLE, Texas — Lt. Sam McKay, a native of Rhinelander, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 21 where naval aviators learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world.

McKay, a 2011 graduate of Rhinelander High School, joined the Navy eight years ago. McKay also earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Minnesota State University at Mankato in 2015.

“I definitely wanted to serve a purpose bigger than myself and it was always my dream to fly,” said McKay. “It’s been nothing but great ever since.”

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

“I learned that humility, hard work and kindness get you a long way in life,” said McKay. “We have a saying where I come from called ‘Midwest nice’ and that has gotten me a long way.”

Today, McKay serves as an instructor pilot assigned to VT 21, a U.S. Navy strike jet training squadron located at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.

“Being able to work with the other branches of service and the places I’ve been able to go and people I’ve had the chance to meet has been fulfilling,” said McKay. “Now that I am an instructor and able to give back to the younger pilots, it has made me a better flyer. It’s the same training I received, but teaching it validates that I do know what I’m talking about.”

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% 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.

McKay 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.”

McKay has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I organized, led, and executed a flyover for the Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys during the Veterans Day weekend game in November 2022,” said McKay. “That was amazing. It was a bucket list item that I got to lead that team. A true highlight of my career.”

McKay can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means I am a patriot and a role model for my children,” said McKay. “I have a 3-year-old son and I will soon have a daughter, so I want them to have someone to look up to.”

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

“I want to thank my parents for being nothing but supportive during my time in the Navy,” added McKay. “I also have to thank my wife, Shelby, for being the foundation of our household while I follow my lifelong dreams.”