LEMOORE, Calif. – Seaman Krystal Harper, a native of Crockett, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White, |
Harper joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Harper serves as a logistics specialist.
“I was influenced by my aunt, Angela Pope, and my uncle, Marcus Pope, who both previously served in the Navy,” said Harper. "They told me about the educational benefits which encouraged me to join, so I could further my education and get a college degree. I also wanted to travel, see the world and experience different cultures."
Growing up in Crockett, Harper attended Crockett High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Harper relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Crockett to succeed in the military.
“My parents instilled in me a hard work ethic, self-discipline and good communication skills,” said Harper.
These lessons have helped Harper while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 14 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, Harper 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 helps protect shipping lanes and deters potential enemies with power projection and strategic partnerships,” said Harper.
Harper and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was providing support to my squadron while on deployment, and the other squadrons on the flight line by tracking, issuing and ordering supplies while in charge of mission essential items up to $92 million dollars,” said Harper.
As Harper and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to better myself and be a part of something bigger,” said Harper. “Not only are my immediate family and siblings proud of me for serving my country, but I am also a role model for the women of my generation and for the African-American community proving that we can succeed and lead in a male-dominated workforce.”
Harper is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mentor, John Angerstein, for his advice and for helping me while in high school to motivate me to expand my horizons,” said Harper. "I would also like to thank another mentor, Senior Chief Elliot Jones, from the aviation support department. He helped me in my Navy career by giving me professional and personal guidance, and motivating me to be the best sailor I can be."
“I did an internship with the city of Crockett,” added Harper. “I am doing a similar job in the Navy that I did then and I gained knowledge of municipal government daily operations.”