By Lt. Bridget Mitchell
Navy Office of Community Outreach
FALLON, Nev. – In Nevada’s high desert is the Navy’s premiere tactical air warfare training center, home to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center and it’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known to the world as TOPGUN.
A 2007 Booker T. Washington High School graduate and Tulsa, Oklahoma, native is part of the Navy’s finest aviation fighter training facility in the world. Petty Officer 3rd Class Karlon Webb is an aviation boatswain’s mate “handling” working with the Fleet Liaison stationed aboard Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada.
A Navy aviation boatswain’s mate “handling” is responsible for the fueling of aircrafts and the maintenance of equipment and spaces. Webb said that his decision to join was influenced by family. “I decided to join the Navy to help provide for my young son,” said Webb.
TOPGUN began 48 years ago with the determination of nine pilots, the skepticism of the government and almost no budget as history would recall. In the early years it turned the tide of a losing air war in Vietnam, revolutionized military doctrine, inspired a Hollywood blockbuster and attracted and trained the best allied pilots and air crew from all over the world.
Webb plays a crucial role in the overall mission that flies over 5,000 adversary sorties per year in support of the Navy and Marine Corp Active and Reserve fleet and replacement squadrons, carrier air wings and marine aircraft groups including the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National guard and Canadian Forces.
“Nowhere in the world does the Navy have the ability to train as we do in NAS Fallon,” said NAS Fallon Commanding Officer, Capt. David Halloran. “The Navy specifically chose NAS Fallon as the location for Top Gun and the Naval Special Warfare Tactical Ground Mobility Training Center because of the desert climate, mountainous terrain, and sophisticated ranges available in northern Nevada. Every Carrier Air Wing and Navy Seal Team is required to receive the essential training provided here prior to being deployed in theater.”
According to Navy officials, TOPGUN is highly competitive and exposes Navy and Marine Corp pilots to the most demanding training scenarios in fighter aviation lead by some of the most talented pilots in the world. Each pilot is hand-selected for air-to-air and air-to-ground training and subsequently, as a TOPGUN instructor.
“My cousin and a great Aunt served in the Navy,” said Webb explaining that naval service was a family tradition.
“I am proud to have finished my associates degree and was just selected as Junior Sailor of the Quarter,” said Webb. Webb also said they are proud to serve at the center of excellence for naval aviation, training and tactics development.
The future of U.S. aviation depends on the Navy’s ability to achieve their vision for defeating tomorrow’s air threats with the support of the ground crews and pilots.
“Serving in the Navy means serving my community,” added Webb. “I like knowing I’m setting a good example.”
