Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Stiffler Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Stiffler, a native of Eastover, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS), where the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are taught to execute lifeor death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable.
Stiffler is a 2009 graduate of Spring Valley High School.
He joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Stiffler serves as a naval air crewman (helicopter) and instructor.
“I joined the Navy to seek out new paths,” Stiffler said. “I got a degree in education, but didn’t want to start teaching right away. I lifeguarded on the beach for over seven years and saved more than 100 lives, so joining the Navy was a logical option.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Eastover.
“Growing up in Eastover,
I learned the importance of resiliency,” Stiffler said. “Things will not always go your way. Although I like to think of myself as a winner, I’ve had a lot of losses in my life that have taught me hard lessons. The times when I don’t win, I consider a blessing because of what it teaches me.”
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, ARSS provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all preflight student naval aviators and student naval flight officers, student flight surgeons, naval aircrew candidates, student aviators from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, and international student aviators.
As part of the world’s most elite Special Operations force, AIRRs are a team dedicated to being the top emergency response unit in the world. Leaping from helicopters, swimming through raging seas, and saving victims whose lives are on the line, AIRRs complete search and rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. The motto of an AIRR is, “so others may live.” It is a testament to not only the selflessness of this job but the honor, courage, and commitment it takes to do it well.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
Stiffler serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Stiffler has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during his military service.
“I’m proud of the time I served as a search and rescue petty officer with my helicopter squadron in Guam,” Stiffler said. “We were recognized as being the best in the fleet, and it was a special moment knowing I had a part in that accomplishment. Also, I’ve had two rescues during my time in the Navy. One rescue was off the coast of Guam, where we saved a civilian who was swimming in the water and had a medical issue. I administered CPR and he lived.”
Stiffler can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to do my part,” Stiffler said. “There’s a need to serve a higher purpose, and there’s something special about someone willing to step up and serve their country.”
Stiffler is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, who’s always been there as my number one fan for me, and my wife,” Stiffler added. “Of course, I want to thank my wife for going along with me during this journey. Shoutout to her and all military spouses for the sacrifices they make.”
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