VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Noah Mills-Ross, a native of Commerce Township, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, 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 |
Mills-Ross graduated from Lakeland High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Commerce Township.
“I had to work hard for what I wanted,” said Mills-Ross. "The way my mom raised me made it a smooth transition into the military."
Mills-Ross joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Mills-Ross serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“My Uncle Mike was in the Navy and my mom, Amber Sever, served in the Marines,” said Mills-Ross. "I thought it would be fun and interesting to join the service as well."
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.
Mills-Ross 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."
Mills-Ross has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“During one of our inspections last year, we earned an excellent award,” said Mills-Ross. "The command master chief gave me a challenge coin as a way to acknowledge the hard work it took to earn that award."
Mills-Ross can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is very rewarding,” said Mills-Ross. "It's nice to have this time in the service because it's something I can always be proud of."
“I started in the Navy pursuing a different job, but when that didn't work out, I switched to this job,” said Mills-Ross. "I'm striving today, which shows that even when you may fail at first, you can still succeed in the long run."
Mills-Ross is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to send a shoutout to my girlfriend, Emma,” added Mills-Ross. "Thanks for always supporting me."