By Rick Burke
Navy Office of Community Outreach

Lance Cpl. Dane Woodworth

MERIDIAN, MISS. — Marines are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, according to military officials, and this training requires highly dedicated instructors.

At Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron 1, or MATSS-1, located at Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., instructors teach Marines to be combat-ready war fighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

Lance Cpl. Dane Woodworth, a native of Goshen, is a student at MATSS-1, learning the necessary skills needed to be an aviation maintenance data specialist.

“I will be responsible for inventorying and logging all parts that make up the aircraft, as well as equipment for flying squadrons,” said Woodworth. “I will also be in charge of inspections and the installation and removal of parts and equipment on aircraft.”

Woodworth, a 2022 graduate of Northridge High School, joined the Marine Corps one and a half years ago.

“I joined the Marine Corps with the hope of helping others, as well as to make my family proud,” said Woodworth. “I am the first person from my family in the past two generations to join the military.”

Woodworth relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Goshen to succeed in the military.

“I learned from my hometown to always treat people with respect no matter what, as well as to try to be the best person I can be,” said Woodworth.

MATSS-1 Meridian is committed to developing dedicated and motivated Marines. Following boot camp, they provide entry-level “A” school training to students in administration and supply occupational specialties.

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.

Serving in the Marine Corps means Woodworth 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.

“Out of all the branches, we can be deployed the fastest,” said Woodworth. “We are also extremely versatile in a multitude of environments and many combat situations.”

Woodworth has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment was graduating from boot camp and earning my title as a United States Marine,” said Woodworth.

As Woodworth and other Marines continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Marine Corps.

“To me, serving means helping all those around me and trying my hardest to be the best person I could hope to be,” said Woodworth. “I want to protect as many people as possible and that’s what I’m set out to do. Being one of the few people from my family to have joined the military, I am proud that I chose the Marine Corps. I want to make the rank of sergeant before my first enlistment contract of five years is over. I also want to further my education by using my tuition assistance and going to college to get a bachelor’s degree.”

Woodworth is grateful to others for helping make a career possible in the Marine Corps.

“I would like to thank my recruiter for helping me through the rough times I faced in the Delayed Entry Program,” added Woodworth. “I would also like to thank the friends I’ve made while being in who all keep me motivated to accomplish our shared goals.”