Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2012 homeschool graduate and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 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 Sara Hopkins works as an aviation electronics technician and operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.A Navy aviation electronics technician is responsible for measuring pieces of gear against unknown goods and comparing them to make sure they are in a certain level of tolerance.
“I was taught integrity growing up,” said Hopkins. “You have to be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there. You have to get the job done right and not stop until it is completed. This is important in the Navy.”
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.
Hopkins has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father and grandfather both served in the Navy while my other grandfather served in the Army,” said Hopkins. “I get a sense of heritage in serving in the Navy like my father and grandfather.”
Hopkins is also proud of advancing to third class petty officer.
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, Hopkins 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 is an honor and privilege,” Hopkins added. “It is hard to put it into words exactly how much the Navy means to me.”