Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2015 Cactus High School graduate and Glendale, Arizona, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Jonathan Kennell is with the Top Hatters of VFA 14, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy airman is responsible for launching and recovering the aircraft as well as performing maintenance. “I have learned to respect those over me and have a good work ethic,” Kennell said. “It has helped me to stay out of trouble.”
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.”
Kennell has military ties with family members who serve and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brother is in the Marines,” said Kennell. “I always thought about joining the military.”
Kennell is also proud of his contribution to the command.
“I like working on the aircraft,” said Kennell. “I think they are very cool.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Kennell 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 having higher morals and a better character,” Kennell said.
Kennell has military ties with family members who serve and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brother is in the Marines,” said Kennell. “I always thought about joining the military.”
Kennell is also proud of his contribution to the command.
“I like working on the aircraft,” said Kennell. “I think they are very cool.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Kennell 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 having higher morals and a better character,” Kennell said.