Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2017 Wilby High School graduate and Waterbury, Connecticut, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Seaman Recruit Janessa Odonnell is a yeoman with the Tophatters of VFA 14, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy yeoman is responsible for administrative duties for the squadron.“I was taught to always work hard and take responsibility of whatever you are doing,” Odonnell said. “That mindset helps me in the Navy because you are responsible for whatever you do and want to take pride in what you put your name on.”
Members of VFA 14 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, Odonnell and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Everyone in the squadron is so welcoming,” said Odonnell. “It makes for a good work environment.”
Odonnell is proud of receiving a Letter of Commendation for being temporarily assigned as a food service assistant to the flag mess.
“Serving in the Navy means even though I am doing something little it has an effect on a bigger scale,” Odonnell said.