LEMOORE, Calif. – Seaman Apprentice Katheryn Wega, a native of Exeter, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. The command is a joint 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Wega joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Wega serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel,” said Wega. "I also get to set a good example for all my friends and family."
Growing up in Exeter, Wega attended Primavera Online High School and graduated in 2019. Today, Wega relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Exeter to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me how to build and recognize communities on a foundation of trust and loyalty,” said Wega. "Exeter, with a population of about 10,000 people, shares a similar sense of community to VFA 125."
These lessons have helped Wega while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 125 fly and maintain the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter.
According to Navy officials, the F-35C is designed with the entire battlespace in mind, bringing transformational capability to the United States and its allies. Missions traditionally performed by specialized aircraft (air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s.
For the first time in U.S. naval aviation history, radar-evading stealth capability comes to the aircraft carrier deck. The F-35C carrier variant sets new standards in weapon system integration, lethality, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring true multi-mission power projection capability from the sea, according to Navy officials.
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, Wega 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 essential for maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Wega. "We protect the air and sea of other countries and ourselves."
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, Wega 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 essential for maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Wega. "We protect the air and sea of other countries and ourselves."
Wega and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being nominated for Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Wega. “I do not have that much time in the Navy, so it felt good to be recognized for my dedication at such an early point in my career.”
As Wega 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 means that I get to set a good example for my fellow sailors and family,” said Wega. “I am the first female in my family to serve in the military which feels very empowering.”
“Additionally, I will be able to start my education soon,” said Wega. "I want to get a bachelor's degree while I'm serving.”
Wega is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to take the time to thank my mom, Tracey, my dad, Daniel, and my boyfriend, Javier,” added Wega. “They have supported me and all of my choices; they will always have my back. My dad sent me tons of letters while I was in basic training. They meant a lot to me.”
“I am most proud of being nominated for Blue Jacket of the Year,” said Wega. “I do not have that much time in the Navy, so it felt good to be recognized for my dedication at such an early point in my career.”
As Wega 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 means that I get to set a good example for my fellow sailors and family,” said Wega. “I am the first female in my family to serve in the military which feels very empowering.”
“Additionally, I will be able to start my education soon,” said Wega. "I want to get a bachelor's degree while I'm serving.”
Wega is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to take the time to thank my mom, Tracey, my dad, Daniel, and my boyfriend, Javier,” added Wega. “They have supported me and all of my choices; they will always have my back. My dad sent me tons of letters while I was in basic training. They meant a lot to me.”