Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2010 Hersher graduate and Kankakee, Illinois, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Fleet Readiness Center West where Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet is located.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Ashley Keller-Denault works as an aviation ordnanceman and operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for the assembly and disassembly, loading and handling of all ordnance.
“I was taught responsibility growing up,” said Keller-Denault. “You have to be a hard worker growing up in a small town. The Navy is like a small town.”
The strike fighter wing, headquartered at NAS Lemoore, ensures that each squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for the Pacific Fleet.
Sailors stationed in Lemoore are responsible for the operation of the airfield, providing services and support to the Naval Air Station, tenant and transiting aircraft. They also provide firefighting functions, both structural and rescue and conduct shipboard firefighting training.
Keller-Denault has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My great-grandfather was in the Air Force, and my grandpa was in the Marines,” said Keller-Denault. “My grandmother's brother was also in the Navy.”
Keller-Denault is also proud of receiving two Good Conduct Awards in 2013 and 2016.
With the CSFWP consisting of more than 20 squadrons, highly specialized jobs range from training new aviators to maintaining airframes and engines, to handling and flying aircraft.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Keller-Denault 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 pushes you to go further than you thought you could go,” Keller-Denault added. “I take a lot of pride in serving.”