VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Carlo Avendano, a native of Miami, Florida, 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 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Avendano graduated from Escuela Comunitaria in San Antonio de los Altos, Venezuela, in 1999.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Venezuela and Miami.
“Growing up in Venezuela, I learned that when you commit to something, you must embrace it,” said Avendano. "I definitely learned a sense of urgency from my parents. My father was up early every day to go to work, and it's that sense of commitment and responsibility that stuck with me."
Avendano joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Avendano serves as a logistics specialist.
“The main reasons I joined the Navy were for job stability and to give back to the country that gave me so many opportunities,” said Avendano. "I came here to play baseball at Bethune-Cookman College and I earned my degree in business administration."
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.
Avendano 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."
Avendano has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is that the Navy trusts me to be accountable for people,” said Avendano. "I also earned my Master of Health Services Administration from Strayer University while serving."
Avendano can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving is an honor and I'm proud to be part of this organization,” said Avendano. "I try to carry myself in the most professional way I can to honor those who came before me."
Avendano is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my two mentors, retired Chief Personnel Specialist Codecido and Chief Logistics Specialist Samaroo,” said Avendano. “I also want to thank Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Earlenbach from the Navy Reserve Center in Miami,
“I think about getting my doctorate in something business-related,” added Avendano. "I'm not sure about reenlisting, but if I do, I want to stay in the aviation world."
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/