VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Alana Saul, a native of Saint Helens, Oregon, 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 Theo Guillot |
Saul graduated from Saint Helens High School in 2020.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Saint Helens.
“A lesson I learned growing up in my small town was that I needed to expand my horizons to learn about different people, cultures, and their beliefs,” said Saul. “Learning this important lesson helped set me up for success with the diversity of the Navy.”
Saul joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Saul serves as an aviation electrician's mate.
“Both my dad and grandfather inspired me to join the Navy and serve my country like they did,” said Saul.
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.
Saul 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.”
Saul has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy would be being able to face the challenges of being in such a large command,” said Saul. “I was able to achieve a lot of qualifications and career goals in a short amount of time.”
Saul can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me serving in the Navy means getting the opportunity to honor those who served before me, and paving the road ahead for those who will serve after me,” said Saul.
Saul is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family for always pushing me to achieve my goals,” added Saul. “Specifically my parents for being my number one supporters in everything I do.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at
https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/