VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Lt. j.g. Hayden Espericueta, a native of Queen Creek, Arizona, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adriones Johnson |
Espericueta graduated from Queen Creek High School in 2016 and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2020 with a degree in electrical engineering.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Queen Creek.
“My hometown taught me that I should not let anything or anyone dictate or sway what I want for my future,” said Espericueta. "It's important not to do necessarily what others expected me to do, but to decide for myself what I wanted out of my life. That lesson has carried me through many difficult decisions and has played a huge part in getting me to where I am today."
Espericueta earned a commission in the Navy three years ago. Today, Espericueta serves as a naval flight officer and weapons systems officer.
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to fly,” said Espericueta. "The mountain climb to achieve that goal was seemingly too tall and insurmountable, especially financially, so I had to find my own route. I set my sights on the Naval Academy as a way to get there and didn't stop until I was on top."
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.
Espericueta 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."
Espericueta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud that my performance throughout all phases of training has earned me a spot in the best strike fighter squadron in the Navy,” said Espericueta.
Espericueta can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I am grateful to serve in hopes of being a good example for others to look up to,” said Espericueta. "In a world filled with turmoil and unrest, I serve to protect everyone's ability to believe what they want to believe, identify how they want to identify, and love who they want to love."
Espericueta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandfather, Dave Heiner,” added Espericueta. "He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam era, and he handled that the best way he could. To see how that impacted the rest of his life was eye-opening to me. I was proud of what he endured, and he served as a positive role model for me. It also taught me empathy for those who have to do things that may be unpopular and potentially controversial."