VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Irby, a native of Winnsboro, South Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Irby graduated from Fairfield Central High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winnsboro.
“My hometown gave me the grit needed to face difficult challenges head-on,” said Irby. “Both my mother and father had passed away before I turned 19 years old. Being on my own, I had to become strong to survive. I owe a lot of gratitude to my hometown as a whole for providing me with positive affirmations and encouragement. They kept me going, and I learned a lot from them.”
Irby joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Irby serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to have a positive impact on the youth in my hometown,” said Irby. “I want to show them that there are plenty of alternatives to success and that can be better than those who came before them.”
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.
Irby 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."
Irby has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning Sailor of the Year while in Japan,” said Irby. “I'm proud to have had the opportunity to serve in Japan. If I hadn't joined, I would not have experienced Japan and the challenges that led to earning the award.”
Irby can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy brings me an immense sense of pride and expertise that I can use every day,” said Irby. “Service gives me a sense of purpose, camaraderie and achievement.”
Irby is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Jarkeniafor, for being flexible in this process and supporting me unconditionally,” added Irby. “I would also like to thank my uncle, Floyd Irby, for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Additionally, I want to thank my mom, Dora McDuffy-Irby, and dad, Michael Irby, for instilling me with discipline.”