LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Arreola, a native of Donna, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. 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 |
Arreola joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Arreola serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy for the educational benefits and to travel and to see the world,” said Arreola.
Growing up in Donna, Arreola attended Donna High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Arreola relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Donna to succeed in the military.
“My mother taught me a good work ethic and this has helped me succeed in my job with the Navy,” said Arreola.
These lessons have helped Arreola while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 136 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, Arreola 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 contributes to national defense by being a show of force,” said Arreola. "We are present all around the world, which helps our allies feel safe and keeps our adversaries in check."
Arreola and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being meritoriously advanced to petty officer third class,” said Arreola. "For aviation ordnanceman, the advancement rates are low. This was a testament to my hard work and being recognized by my peers and chain of command."
As Arreola 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 makes my family proud,” said Arreola. "I was the first person in my family to join the military. I hope to be an example for my younger siblings and to be someone they can look up to and follow in my footsteps.”
Arreola is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother and grandmother for helping me in my decision to join the Navy,” said Arreola. “Being in the Navy was the right choice because not only does it give me tuition assistance for college, it gives me the freedom and independence to do the things I wasn't able to do before.”