VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Magaly Anderson, a native of Austin, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Anderson graduated from Akins High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Austin.
“I worked a lot of jobs in my hometown, which helped shape me into a determined person,” said Anderson. “I just want to see the job through. Nobody will care about the job for you, so you have to do it to the best of your ability. I believe that Austin and the Navy have both helped me become that type of person.”
Anderson joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Anderson serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“My cousin inspired me to join the Navy. I wanted the financial stability that they had,” said Anderson. “I come from a low-income family, and the financial burden of school weighed heavily on us. Although I wanted to pursue a college education, I did not want to strain my mom financially. Initially, I joined the Navy for tuition assistance, but I've found genuine enjoyment in my work. Now, and plan on making this my lifelong career.”
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.
Anderson 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."
Anderson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is witnessing sailors I have trained progress personally and professionally,” said Anderson. “The Navy is my family. It fills me with positivity to witness my people grow.”
Anderson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives meaning to even the smallest jobs,” said Anderson. “In the Navy, everyone is the last little piece of the puzzle that is needed to complete it.”
Anderson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad,” added Anderson. “They are the most obvious people to thank because they supported my decision to join, even though they did not want me to leave. I would also like to thank Krista Cottle, Judith Self and Carissa Kopitskie. They have been there for me since day one, both outside and inside of the Navy. One of them got out of the Navy, but she still supports me.”