LEMOORE, Calif. – Airman Victoria Akpan, a native of Peoria, Illinois, 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 |
Akpan joined the Navy a year and a half ago.
“I joined because I have always wanted to be a part of the U.S. Navy and have the opportunity to travel and see the world,” said Akpan. “I also wanted to be a role model for the younger generation of women. I wanted to show them that a female could excel and be successful in a male-dominated workforce.”
Today, Akpan relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Peoria to succeed in the military.
“I learned self-respect and respect for others from my parents,” said Akpan. "These traits have helped me succeed in the Navy and work well with others from different backgrounds.”
These lessons have helped Akpan 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, Akpan 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.
“We are protecting international waters and our show of force keeps us and our allies safe,” said Akpan.
Akpan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of how the Navy has exposed me to aircraft and allowed me to learn different skill sets,” said Akpan.
As Akpan and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy has given me a chance to better myself and it makes my parents and siblings proud,” said Akpan. “It’s also giving me the chance to be able to travel, see the world and experience different cultures.”
Akpan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother and my friend who have both helped me through the transition of joining the Navy,” added Akpan.
Akpan grew up in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and graduated from Notre Dame Girls Secondary School in Urua Edet Obo, Nigeria, in 2002. Additionally, Akpan graduated from the University of Uyo in Uyo, Nigeria, in 2012.