VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Lt. Samuel Magilke, a native of Afton, Minnesota, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, nicknamed the Rhino.
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| Photo by Britteney Powers |
Magilke graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Afton.
“Hard work, integrity and dedication are important skills required to succeed in the Navy,” said Magilke.
Magilke joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Magilke is a naval aviator flying the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
“I joined the Navy to lead sailors and challenge myself with flying the hardest platform in the U.S. aircraft inventory to fly,” said Magilke.
The mission of the Rhino demonstration team is to share the rich heritage of naval aviation and display the hard work and dedication of U.S. Navy service members to the public.
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Magilke serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Magilke has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy would have to be getting to lead sailors on a daily basis,” said Magilke.
Magilke is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for supporting my dreams, helping me get to where I am today and making me the man I am today,” said Magilke. “I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my entire family, friends and teachers for believing in me and being a part of this dream I live everyday. I also want to thank the most important person in my life. My wife is there for me every day of my career through hard times and good times. I could not do this job without her support.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/