Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2015 Temecula Valley High School graduate and Menife, California, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
“I carried a lot of patience from growing up into my career in the Navy,” Escamilla said. “It helps me in the Navy to not rush things and not over stress. Patience is key when tasked with responsibilities.”
Members of VFA 94 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.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Escamilla and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like that I am able to serve with an aviation command because it isn't ship life,” said Escamilla. “It's the first time I have worked in the aviation side of the Navy and I like it more.”
Escamilla is proud to have earned the Air Warfare and Information Warfare pins.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot because I have done more than I ever have my whole life,” Escamilla said. “I have accomplished so much in the seven months I was on deployment.”