Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2009 Arlington High School graduate and Arlington, Washington, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Rachel Strauss is a logistics specialist with the Mighty Shrikes of VFA 94, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for any supplies and logistics for the command.
“I have learned discipline and attention to detail,” Strauss said. “It has helped in my job because you must have good time-management skills and organization.”
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.”
Strauss has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My uncle was in the Army, and my husband and father-in-law were in the Navy,” said Strauss. “But, I joined for education, travel and the opportunity to provide for my family.”
Strauss is also proud of receiving the Letter of Commendation for exemplary service last year.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Strauss 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 making a difference and being part of something bigger that is outside of normal life,” Strauss said.
Strauss has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My uncle was in the Army, and my husband and father-in-law were in the Navy,” said Strauss. “But, I joined for education, travel and the opportunity to provide for my family.”
Strauss is also proud of receiving the Letter of Commendation for exemplary service last year.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Strauss 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 making a difference and being part of something bigger that is outside of normal life,” Strauss said.