LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Anderson, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, 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 |
Anderson joined the Navy over four years ago. Today, Anderson serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy to better my life and travel and see the world,” said Anderson.
Growing up in Fayetteville, Anderson attended Hoke County High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Anderson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Fayetteville to succeed in the military.
“I was raised by a single mother who taught me and my siblings to never give up, work hard and always strive for the best in life,” said Anderson.
These lessons have helped Anderson 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, Anderson 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 shows force and other nations around the world that those who are less fortunate are not to be bullied by our adversaries,” said Anderson.
Anderson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishments were being advanced in rank to petty officer third class and receiving a Flag Letter of Commendation from a Rear Adm. in charge of Carrier Strike Group 10,” said Anderson. "Being advanced was an example of my hard work being recognized by my peers and chain of command. The letter from the Rear Adm. was given to me for my exceptional teamwork, professionalism and mission accomplishment.”
As Anderson and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“By serving in the Navy, I am setting an example of someone my kids can look up to and be proud to call to me their father,” said Anderson.
Anderson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have a very strong family support system who supported me in my decision to never give up, learn a trade in the Navy, and serve my country,” said Anderson.
“My goal in the Navy is to either make chief or be commissioned as an officer, and to be a leader of sailors,” added Anderson. “I also want to further my education and work in the legal field to help others.”