Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- An Eisenhower High School and 1997 Quantico High School graduate and Decatur, Illinois, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
“Growing up I learned the importance of relying on family, fostering a family atmosphere, upholding good morals and working hard,” Frank said. “We are a warfighting organization and being able to rely on a person next to you and ensuring you have that family atmosphere is important.”
Members of VFA 22 work with the F/A 18 Super Hornet, one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land. It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 lbs., and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.
Operating from sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.
“Strike Fighter Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is the heart of Naval Aviation,” said Capt. James S. Bates, Deputy Commodore, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific. “The sailors assigned to SFWP always exceed expectations and produce amazing results through team work and dedication to their department, squadron, the U.S. Navy and their family. Naval Aviation is a challenging occupation, but our sailors work day in and day out to provide fully mission capable aircraft and fully qualified aircrew to ensure leadership is able to answer national level tasking. I am humbled to be able to lead the sailors of SFWP and I am proud to call Lemoore my home.”
Frank has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My dad was in the Navy for 32 years and my brother is in the Navy,” said Frank. “In my family, we are a military family. There isn't an obligation but a desire to serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Frank and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is a fulfillment of my lifelong dream because I wanted to fly but I wanted to serve as well,” Frank said. “It has meant everything to me. It is what I love to do and my family is a big part of it.”