Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2012 Kentlake High Schoolgraduate and Seattle native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
“I have learned to rise to every challenge,” Arroyos said. “I was taught there will always be hurdles but you must always learn from them and grow as a person.”
Members of VFA 146 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.”
Arroyos has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My great grandfather on my dad's side was in the Army in WWII,” said Arroyos. “I always looked up to him. He earned two Purple Hearts and always motivated me to be the best I can be. He influenced me to want to serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Arroyos 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 a lot of things,” Arroyos said. “Not everyone can do it. I take pride in knowing that I'm out here helping and being part of something bigger than myself while setting a good example for my daughter.”