Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2008 Streamwood High School graduate and Hanover Park, Illinois, 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 Matthew Jimenez is an aviation machinist's mate with the Kestrels of VFA 137, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation machinist's mate is responsible for maintenance and repair of the engine and fuel systems of the aircraft.
“I have learned to always put your best foot forward and have no regrets,” Jimenez said. “No matter what comes my way I am always positive.”
Members of VFA 137 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.”
Jimenez has military ties with family members who serve and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brotherin-law is in the Navy,” said Jimenez. “He saw I wasn't doing much after high school and convinced me to do something else.”
Jimenez is also proud of being selected as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter in 2017 for being one of the top junior sailors.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jimenez 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 protecting not only my family but everyone else,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez has military ties with family members who serve and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brotherin-law is in the Navy,” said Jimenez. “He saw I wasn't doing much after high school and convinced me to do something else.”
Jimenez is also proud of being selected as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter in 2017 for being one of the top junior sailors.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jimenez 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 protecting not only my family but everyone else,” Jimenez said.