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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sylvie Carafiol |
Airman Luar Ramirez Flores, from Caguas, Puerto Rico, is one of the sailors who supported the flyover.
Ramirez Flores is a 2020 graduate of Petra Zenon de Fabery Professional Higher School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Caguas.
“Growing up in my hometown, I had many wonderful experiences that helped shape who I am today,” Ramirez Flores said. “From a very young age, I was always a go-getter and a hard worker, driven by a deep desire to help others and make a difference in my community.”
Ramirez Flores joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Ramirez Flores serves as an aviation machinist’s mate 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 provide a better future and quality of life for my family, to grow personally, and to be a positive role model for future generations,” Ramirez Flores said. “I saw military service as an opportunity to challenge myself, develop leadership skills, and contribute to something greater than myself.”
Ramirez Flores 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.
Ramirez Flores has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest achievement in the Navy so far has been graduating as an aviation mechanic, a goal I’ve dreamed of since childhood,” Ramirez Flores said. “It was a proud moment that marked the beginning of my journey in naval aviation, and my next goal is to become a naval pilot so I can continue to grow and take on greater responsibilities in service to my country.”
Ramirez Flores serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Ramirez Flores can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means more to me than just having a job — it represents family, honor and pride,” Ramirez Flores said. “I can confidently say that every sailor plays a vital role in protecting our nation’s security while working together as one unified team.”
Ramirez Flores is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, my children and my entire family for their unwavering love and support,” Ramirez Flores added. “I also want to honor my dad, who I know is watching over me and proud of all that I’ve accomplished.”