Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2015 Oregon High School graduate and Oregon, Wisconsin, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Kash Mussehl is an aviation structural mechanic with the Golden Dragons of VFA 192, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation structural mechanic is responsible for repair and maintenance of the flight control surfaces, hydraulic systems and overall body of the jet.“I have learned to get the job done right and if you don't know- ask,” Mussehl said. “I used to get frustrated really easily but, I've learned to ask a lot of questions and once I get it down the first time, I'm good to go.”
Members of VFA 192 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.”
Mussehl was inspired by his family business to join the Navy.
“We ran a farm back home and my dad told me to go to school or do something new in order to take over,” said Mussehl. “I wanted to join for a while. I love the jets.”
Mussehl is also proud of being Sailor of the Week in 2017 for doing a good job.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Mussehl 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 means allowing my parents to keep their farm by providing security for them,” Mussehl said.