NORFOLK, Va. -- U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 conducted a flyover during the national anthem prior to the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic, where the Atlanta Braves took on the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee.
Petty Officer 1st Class James Moore, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the sailors who supported the flyover.
Moore is a 2008 graduate of Atherton High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Louisville.
“My hometown instilled in me the confidence to always be myself, to stand firm in my values and to know my worth,” Moore said. “Those lessons have given me the strength to navigate challenges in the Navy while staying true to the person I’ve always been.”
Moore joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Moore serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to VFA 103, known as the “Jolly Rogers,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and create a better life for myself,” Moore said.
Moore was part of the historic event, marking the first official National or American League baseball game to be played in the state of Tennessee, according to Major League Baseball officials. The flyover formation included the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a combat-ready strike fighter designed to face the advanced threats of the 21st Century, according to Navy officials.
Petty Officer 1st Class James Moore, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the sailors who supported the flyover.
Moore is a 2008 graduate of Atherton High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Louisville.
“My hometown instilled in me the confidence to always be myself, to stand firm in my values and to know my worth,” Moore said. “Those lessons have given me the strength to navigate challenges in the Navy while staying true to the person I’ve always been.”
Moore joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Moore serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to VFA 103, known as the “Jolly Rogers,” operating out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and create a better life for myself,” Moore said.
Moore was part of the historic event, marking the first official National or American League baseball game to be played in the state of Tennessee, according to Major League Baseball officials. The flyover formation included the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a combat-ready strike fighter designed to face the advanced threats of the 21st Century, according to Navy officials.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Moore has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is making first class petty officer on my first attempt,” Moore said. “It’s a competitive advancement that many sailors work years to achieve, so earning it on my first try was both humbling and a testament to my dedication and hard work.”
Moore serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Moore can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me — it was my dream job, and working on the flight deck has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Moore said. “Now, it also means being able to provide for my family while doing something I’m passionate about.”
Moore is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and brothers for always being there for me, and my dad for his support when I’ve needed it most,” Moore added. “I’m grateful for their constant guidance throughout my journey.”