VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class William Williams, a native of Kokomo, Indiana, 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 |
Williams graduated from Western High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kokomo.
“The most important lesson I learned from my hometown is the best things in life aren't things, they are experiences,” said Williams. “Roots may grow deep, but wings will take you places.”
Williams joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Williams serves as an aviation structural mechanic - safety equipment.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and find what the world had to offer me in opportunities,” said Williams.
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.
Williams 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.”
Williams has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being considered a subject matter expert in my field of work by my peers and the leaders above me,” said Williams. “If you're going to do something, do it right the first time.”
Williams can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has shown me that I am capable of doing a lot more than I ever believed I could.,” said Williams.
Williams is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Leela, for being the most supportive wife and wonderful mother to our daughter that I could ever ask for, added Williams.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at
https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/