VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabrielle Cook, a native of Pass Christian, Mississippi, 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 |
Cook graduated from Pass Christian High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pass Christian.
“A lesson I learned from home is that I can literally do anything I want as long as I believe I can do it,” said Cook. "I have always had a strong support system at home and my grandmother and my grandfather were both in the Navy, so I wanted to follow them and the example they set."
Cook joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Cook serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy for stability and because I wanted to go out to sea,” said Cook. "I have a hard time sitting still and since the Navy keeps me moving all the time, it has been a perfect fit."
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.
Cook 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."
Cook has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is that I have learned to be teachable,” said Cook. "I've learned that I'm not always right, but at the same time, I've become strong-minded when I know I'm correct. I'm always going to fight for what is right."
Cook can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me serving in the Navy is carrying on a family tradition,” said Cook. "If my grandmother could do it, so can I. Seeing them proud of me is a great feeling."
Cook is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, grandparents and most of all my son,” said Cook. He is only four and has to put up with me deploying and being gone. I do all of this for him."
“I want to earn a commission as an administrative officer,” added Cook. "I want to be someone junior sailors always come to. I want to be that officer I wish I had when I first came in the Navy who wants to be involved in their sailors' careers."
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/