VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zoe Squeo, a native of Atlanta, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
Squeo graduated from Phoenix High School in 2002.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“My hometown is a melting pot,” said Squeo. “Atlanta taught me how to treat people with respect and not discriminate based on religion, sex or culture.”
Squeo joined the Navy 21 years ago. Today, Squeo serves as an aviation maintenance officer.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t ready to go to college,” said Squeo. “I wanted to do something productive with my life, so I joined the military to serve my country and travel the world.”
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.
Squeo 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.”
Squeo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is being selected for chief warrant officer,” said Squeo. “It means a lot, considering I started my career at the lowest enlisted rank.”
Squeo can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to be a positive example for my family,” said Squeo. “It is a big deal for my children. They see that if they have goals, they can achieve them no matter what obstacles are in their way.”
Squeo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents,” said Squeo. “I wouldn’t be able to serve in the capacity I have without my parents’ help. They are my backbone. I am not the only one who has made sacrifices; they have made sacrifices as well.”
Squeo offered advice for anyone in need of encouragement.
“The biggest advice I have learned in my career is that we all go through storms and after the storm, there is a rainbow,” added Squeo. “All struggle is temporary, and if you stick to your goals, you'll see something great on the other side.”