Marianna native serves with strike fighter

squadron from largest master jet base

http://www.cljnews.com

By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

LEMOORE, CA – Petty Officer First Class Christopher Smith, a native of Marianna, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.

Smith joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Smith serves as an aviation structural mechanic. “I joined the Navy because I wanted a foundation to either find a good trade or make the military a career,” said Smith. ”My ultimate goal is to become a commissioned officer.” Growing up in Marianna, Smith attended Marianna High School and graduated in 2006. Additionally, Smith is a 2012 graduate of Chipola College. Smith relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Marianna to succeed in the military. “I learned in my hometown to treat everyone with respect because you will never know when you cross their paths again in the future,” said Smith.

These lessons have helped Smith while serving with the Navy.

Members of VFA 122 fly and maintain the F/A 18 Super Hornet, one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.

Operating from sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland. Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent 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.

“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

As a member of the Navy, Smith is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy. “The Navy is able to mobilize an entire air wing across the world at a moment’s notice to protect our country and our allies,” said Smith.

Smith and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. “My greatest accomplishment was receiving the Jeremy Wise “Lt. Suge” Award,” said Smith. “This award was named after a pilot who died in a training exercise in 2008. This award is based on his charismatic attitude and outstanding character as both a pilot and a person. This award is given to petty officer second classes and below who display these similar traits. I had no knowledge of it until it was awarded to me. It was of the utmost honor to receive this award.”

As Smith and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “I look at serving in the Navy as a selfless act, to where I am contributing to a bigger picture for next generations to come,” said Smith.

Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I would like to thank my parents and Mr. Dowling, my high school football coach,” added Smith.“My parents always told me to do something that will make my family’s name proud. Mr. Dowling always emphasized teamwork and taught me leadership. These traits have helped me succeed in the Navy.”