VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Airman Maia Malberg, a native of Twin Falls, Idaho, 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 |
Malberg graduated from Twin Falls High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Twin Falls.
“My father taught me to have a powerful work ethic and my mother taught me to be open-minded and flexible,” said Malberg. “These life lessons have been helpful during my Navy career.”
Malberg joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Malberg serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I am the ninth generation of military service in my family,” said Malberg. “I decided I wanted to continue that tradition. I’m the first woman to serve in my family, so that’s an additional honor.”
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.
Malberg 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.”
Malberg has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud of how I’ve grown and who I’ve become during my time in the military,” said Malberg. “The Navy made it all possible.”
Malberg can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means keeping my family tradition alive and keeping future generations safe,” said Malberg.
Malberg is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Greg and Kristine Malberg, for raising me and supporting me in my decision to join the military,” added Malberg. “I’m grateful to my grandfather, Leo Malberg, for all the advice that he gave. I also appreciate the pride my mom’s grandparents, Tony and Charlene Fairbanks, have shown in my service.”