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By Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Chief Petty Officer Aaron Corsie (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patricia Elkins, Navy Office of Community Outreach)

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Chief Petty Officer Aaron Corsie, a native of Washington, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Corsie graduated in 2004 from Trinity High School.  The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Washington.

“Only about 40 minutes away from Pittsburgh, its history is built on steel and its people are mentally tough, hardworking and dependable,” said Corsie. “The city has a direct link to the Navy via the steel industry and its production for ships during WWII. Growing up around that kind of work ethic and knowing that Navy connection, really encouraged my desire to serve.”

Corsie joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Corsie serves as an engineman.

“My job is knowing the mechanics behind every part of a diesel-powered engine on board our Navy ships,” said Corsie. “We ensure the ship and all its systems keep moving forward. It’s an important role in the Navy, and one that has also given me the opportunity to see the world and further my education, earning my bachelor’s degree and currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.”

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian and combat service missions. 

Serving in the Navy means Corsie is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Controlling the seas and protecting the shipping lanes ensures safe passage for commerce growth and to power our global economy,” said Corsie. “As a consumer-based nation, it’s imperative that our military, namely our nation’s Navy, continues to protect our interest.”

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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Corsie has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 

“Making chief petty officer has surely been the pinnacle of my career so far,” said Corsie. “I’ve undergone my share of ups and downs, but I’ve also worked hard and surrounded myself with people who not only support my goals but also challenge me. I strive to be the kind of Navy leader who earns the team’s respect and who first listens and observes, as it’s my belief that people can do great things if leaders allow them the space to do so.”

As Corsie and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Family means so much to me and it was my grandfather, a World War II veteran who served in the Army and was influential in my decision to serve in the military,” said Corsie. “In all that I do, I just want to make my family and my loved ones proud.”

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

“Growing up I heard all the stories and saw the amazing opportunities that existed for my uncle as a retired Army Ranger, all because of his years of service.” added Corsie. “The benefits of a military retirement are important to care for my family’s future. My wife, Priya, is truly my rock and as a military spouse she’s made countless sacrifices for our nation, so while I may be the one in uniform, she surely serves too!”

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