VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Airman Peyton Gonzales, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Gonzales graduated from Johnson High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“I was an electrician before I joined the Navy and discovered that I enjoy working with electrical components,” said Gonzales. "That experience helped motivate me through my job as an aviation electronics technician."
Gonzales joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Gonzales serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“My father was in the Army and convinced me to give the military a chance,” said Gonzales.
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.
Gonzales 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."
Gonzales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my qualifications as a plane captain,” said Gonzales. "Seeing my name on the side of a jet is cool, and having that level of responsibility is something I can take pride in."
Gonzales can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy provides opportunities on the civilian side and offers other opportunities to gain experience in different fields,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad, Dionicio Gonzales, for the positive influence he has on my life and for serving as a good role model,” added Gonzales.
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.
Gonzales 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."
Gonzales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is earning my qualifications as a plane captain,” said Gonzales. "Seeing my name on the side of a jet is cool, and having that level of responsibility is something I can take pride in."
Gonzales can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy provides opportunities on the civilian side and offers other opportunities to gain experience in different fields,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad, Dionicio Gonzales, for the positive influence he has on my life and for serving as a good role model,” added Gonzales.