LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 1st Class Cole Haas, a native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 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.
Haas joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Haas serves as an aviation electrician's mate.
“I joined the Navy to learn a trade while traveling and seeing the world,” said Haas.
Growing up in La Crosse, Haas attended Camden High School in Camden, South Carolina, and graduated in 2006. Today, Haas relies upon skills and values similar to those found in La Crosse to succeed in the military.
“I was always told to treat my friends like family,” said Haas. “It builds better relations and better cohesion.”
These lessons have helped Haas 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, Haas 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 consists of a network of people that are always willing to be on the frontline,” said Hass. “Not only are we efficient and mobile, but it’s our job to protect the freedoms and ways of life that we are privileged to have in this country.”
Haas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being in the Navy and learning enough in my trade to teach the younger generation,” said Haas. “I enjoy seeing the ‘seeds of my teaching’ grow and the sailors ‘bear their own fruit.’”
As Haas 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 is not only my livelihood, but it’s a way to provide for my family and provide a service to my friends and country,” said Haas. "I've always been told serving others is the best way to lead."
Hass is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents and siblings because they've been my backbone and support system,” said Haas.
“After my naval service, I would like to continue providing my electricity expertise in the aviation field,” added Haas.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White |
Haas joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Haas serves as an aviation electrician's mate.
“I joined the Navy to learn a trade while traveling and seeing the world,” said Haas.
Growing up in La Crosse, Haas attended Camden High School in Camden, South Carolina, and graduated in 2006. Today, Haas relies upon skills and values similar to those found in La Crosse to succeed in the military.
“I was always told to treat my friends like family,” said Haas. “It builds better relations and better cohesion.”
These lessons have helped Haas 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, Haas 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 consists of a network of people that are always willing to be on the frontline,” said Hass. “Not only are we efficient and mobile, but it’s our job to protect the freedoms and ways of life that we are privileged to have in this country.”
Haas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being in the Navy and learning enough in my trade to teach the younger generation,” said Haas. “I enjoy seeing the ‘seeds of my teaching’ grow and the sailors ‘bear their own fruit.’”
As Haas 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 is not only my livelihood, but it’s a way to provide for my family and provide a service to my friends and country,” said Haas. "I've always been told serving others is the best way to lead."
Hass is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents and siblings because they've been my backbone and support system,” said Haas.
“After my naval service, I would like to continue providing my electricity expertise in the aviation field,” added Haas.