Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2014 Odyssey High School graduate and Grand Blanc, Michigan, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Apprentice Tyler Sharber is an aviation electrician's mate with the Flying Eagles of VFA 122, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation electrician's mate is responsible for maintaining and handling all wires and components on the jet. “Growing up, I learned courtesy and respect,” Sharber said. “It has helped me because you need to show these in the military.”
Members of VFA 122 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.”
Sharber has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My dad was in the Navy, and my grandfather was in the Army,” said Sharber. “My dad influenced my decision to join by telling me how the Navy helped him and how much of a great time he had. He wanted the same for me.”
Sharber is also proud of graduating "C" school and his volunteer work.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Sharber 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 knowing that it is not just about me, it is about other people,” Sharber said.
Sharber has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My dad was in the Navy, and my grandfather was in the Army,” said Sharber. “My dad influenced my decision to join by telling me how the Navy helped him and how much of a great time he had. He wanted the same for me.”
Sharber is also proud of graduating "C" school and his volunteer work.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Sharber 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 knowing that it is not just about me, it is about other people,” Sharber said.