Fallon, Nevada -- Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Senior Chief Matthew Payne, this story has ties to Sherman, Texas, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
“Between my family and my football team, hard work and respect were taught to me from a very young age,” Payne said. “Having a good work ethic and a can-do attitude has helped me climb the ranks and succeed in the Navy.”
Payne graduated from S&S Consolidated High School in 2002.
Payne joined the Navy 23 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to follow in my family's footsteps," Payne said. “I was looking for a career that would give me opportunities that I would not be able to find back home as well as the ability to serve my country from around the world.”
Today, Payne serves as an aviation electronics technician assigned to Fighter Squadron Composite 13 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon.
The air station provides joint and allied nation rotational forces the unique opportunity to train in realistic combat scenarios while employing every element of an air carrier wing. It is the only facility in the world with this ability. The aircraft stationed at NAS Fallon support aircraft carrier missions around the world.
NAS Fallon is host to 21 tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). As the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, NAWDC is home to multiple weapons training schools, including TOPGUN. In 1969, TOPGUN was introduced with the mission of reducing casualties of naval aviators sustained during the Vietnam War. Within a year, this goal was reached with the United States having one casualty for every 12 enemy deaths. Since then, TOPGUN has continued to train the finest naval aviators and has inspired two blockbuster movies, one released in 1986 and its sequel released in 2022.
Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal, and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
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.
Payne has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud that I have had the opportunity and privilege of being selected to the rank of chief petty officer,” Payne said. “Being a chief allows me to guide junior sailors more directly and be a person that they come to for help.”
Payne serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to give back and protect those who need it most,” Payne said. “Being in the Navy and having a strong forward-deployed power allows us to protect our freedoms back at home while also protecting our allies across the globe.”
Payne is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Laura, for always being by my side and supporting me over the years no matter where the Navy sends me,” Payne said. “Having a family back home makes this job that much more meaningful."
