A 2008 Minford High School graduate is serving with Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL), supporting the future of naval aviation aboard Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Gampp is an aviation machinist’s mate with NTWL and is responsible for overseeing the quality assurance of the command’s aircraft that are worked on by civilian engineers.
“What I enjoy most about my job is not only getting to network with sailors and civilians that work within the command but having the opportunity to continuously broaden my career horizons that are helping me excel both professionally and personally,” Gampp said.
NTWL is responsible for safe and efficient execution of developmental ground and flight testing across all naval aviation platforms and systems.
It consists of five component commands, air test and evaluation squadrons, VX-20, HX-21 and VX-23, the Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Directorate and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
Gampp, a Minford native, works directly for VX-20, which is responsible for testing and evaluating the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft systems.
“Not only is there great camaraderie that I share amongst my fellow sailors at this command but the flexible hours that are provided to me gives me the opportunity to further my educational goals and to focus on other personal goals as well,” Gampp said.
NTWL includes approximately 3,800 personnel, including 400 military, 800 civilian, 2,500 contractors and 65 students at any given time. Working together to accomplish the command’s test and evaluation mission, they do everything from maintaining aircraft air frames, electronic systems and engines, to handling administrative requirements, developing test plans, reporting test results, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.
“The men and women of Naval Test Wing Atlantic do great work every day to keep naval aviation at the cutting edge,” Capt. Brett Pierson, NTWL commander, said. “Whether they’re flying or maintaining our aircraft, developing or executing test plans, or taking care of all the support we need in order to do what we do so well, our team takes pride in ensuring systems are ready for the fleet. I’m very proud of our people for what they do to defend our nation.”
Serving in the Navy, Gampp is learning about being more of a leader through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Serving in the Navy has strengthened both my work ethic and research skills that are needed to better myself at my profession,” said Gampp.
Why Being There Matters
On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world’s oceans give the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world’s oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America’s finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.
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