PENSACOLA – Airman Apprentice Alex Romer, a 2024 graduate of Ridgeview High, 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 life-or-death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable.

Romer joined the Navy less than one year ago. Today, Romer serves as a student rescue swimmer.
“My dad served in the Navy as an In-Flight technician on a P-3 Orion,” Romer said. “I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something that would push my limits.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Middleburg.
“My hometown taught me the importance of getting up and accomplishing as much as possible."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, ARSS provides initial aviation water survival training and CPR qualification to all pre-flight student naval aviators, 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 not only to the selflessness of this job but also to 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.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access 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.
Romer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Romer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making it to the aircrew school,” Romer said. “It is a tough program to get into.”
Romer can take pride in serving America through military service.
“It is really great to be a part of this community,” Romer said. “The military is one big family.”
Romer is grateful to others for helping make a career in the Navy possible.
“I would like to thank both my parents, Pete and Dawn Romer, for being supportive,” Romer added. “I would like to thank my dad for helping me to train for this.”