A View from the Flight Deck: Commander Greg Lembo Talks About Values with WTMA Students
From the deck of a pitching ship to the skies over an NFL stadium, retired Commander Greg Lembo has seen a lot while in the Navy — and he shared those extraordinary experiences how they impacted his values with WTMA students during an inspiring talk.
WTMA cohort students were delighted to hear about the adventures of retired Commander Greg Lembo, a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and a proud homeschool dad. The session provided an inspiring glimpse into a career defined by service, adventure, and resilience—values that align closely with WTMA’s mission to cultivate curiosity, determination, and excellence in its students.
A Glimpse Into the Life of a Naval Aviator
Commander Lembo opened with a snapshot of his distinguished military career. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with an MBA from the Navy’s postgraduate school, Lembo is a seasoned helicopter pilot with over 2,700 flight hours and extensive leadership experience.
He framed his talk around two rewards of military service: the unparalleled camaraderie of teamwork and the adventure of exploring the world while serving a greater purpose. These themes resonated as he shared highlights from his career.
From landing helicopters on pitching ship decks to conducting anti-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia, Commander Lembo vividly illustrated the excitement and challenges of Navy life.
In one memorable moment, he described piloting a helicopter for a Monday Night Football flyover, noting that the same aircraft had just returned from hurricane relief efforts.
The Rewards of Teamwork and Global Exploration
Yet, even in moments of awe-inspiring adventure, his focus remained on teamwork.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he reflected, emphasizing the enduring bonds formed during deployments.
Lessons in Resilience, Adaptability, and Personal Growth
Commander Lembo didn’t shy away from the complexities of military life. He spoke candidly about the sacrifices involved, from frequent relocations to long stretches away from family. Yet, he encouraged students to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
Resilience and adaptability, he explained, were crucial to navigating the twists and turns of his career—including a missed promotion that unexpectedly led to one of his most rewarding roles as the leader of the Navy’s largest helicopter training squadron.
From Top Gun to Training: Students Ask the Tough Questions
WTMA students made the most of the Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions that highlighted their curiosity and engagement.
One student inquired about the realism of the newest Top Gun movie, to which Lembo humorously responded: “The training and intensity? Spot on. The makeup and dialogue? Pure Hollywood.”
Another asked about the physical demands of military service, prompting him to share his own experience of overcoming initial challenges by committing to better fitness—a lesson he framed as valuable in any career.
For the WTMA cohort, the session was more than a glimpse into a remarkable career; it was an opportunity to connect with life lessons applicable far beyond the military. Whether sharing technical insights about piloting helicopters or offering wisdom on handling setbacks, Commander Lembo inspired students to dream big, take calculated risks, and approach challenges with confidence.
Inspiring Advice for the Future: “Go Big”
By inviting speakers like Commander Lembo, WTMA fosters an environment where students can engage with real-world experiences and explore diverse career paths. Through these engagements, students are encouraged to think critically, ask big questions, and approach life with courage and determination.
As Commander Lembo so aptly put it, “Go big. Take reasonable, achievable risks, and go all in.”
His advice isn’t just for military hopefuls—it’s for anyone ready to embrace life’s challenges, dream big, and achieve their goals with courage and determination.
