VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Taj Lewis, a native of Richmond, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, 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 |
Lewis graduated from Varina High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Richmond.
“One major lesson I learned from being home is not to judge anyone because you never know their situation or what they may be going through,” said Lewis.
Lewis joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Lewis serves as an information systems technician.
“Both of my parents were in the Navy,” said Lewis. "I joined so I could make a future for myself."
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.
Lewis 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."
Lewis has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of helping the sailors in my department, and watching them grow and put on rank to be better leaders themselves,” said Lewis.
Lewis can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because I get to experience new things while getting the chance to help everyone around me,” said Lewis.
Lewis is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mother, Terra Lewis, for being there providing support and strength,” added Lewis. "I'd also like to thank my grandparents, Ethel and Abdul Bashir. I'm grateful to my grandmother for all the love she provides me, and I want to thank my grandfather for being a positive role model."