Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2014 South Effingham High School graduate and Lakeland, Florida, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Robert Logan is an aviation structural mechanic with the Top Hatters of VFA 14, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation structural mechanic is responsible for repair and maintenance of hydraulic, flight control surfaces, landing gear and brakes and tires. “I have pride in what I do,” Logan said. “I do my best all the time and was nominated for Blue Jacket of the Year.”
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.”
“I am the first to join the military from my family,” said Logan. “I wanted to travel and pay for college.”
Logan is also proud of obtaining his warfare pin and being in his squadron.
“I like the people here,” said Logan. “This is one of the best squadrons.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Logan 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 learning new skills,” Logan said. “I feel a sense of pride. It has been an honor.”
“I am the first to join the military from my family,” said Logan. “I wanted to travel and pay for college.”
Logan is also proud of obtaining his warfare pin and being in his squadron.
“I like the people here,” said Logan. “This is one of the best squadrons.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Logan 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 learning new skills,” Logan said. “I feel a sense of pride. It has been an honor.”