Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2011 McMinnville High School graduate and McMinnville, Oregon, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Jacinto Sanchez is an aviation machinist's mate with the Flying Eagles of VFA 122, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation machinist's mate is responsible for removing, replacing and troubleshooting components of the jet's engine. “I have learned that family is everything,” Sanchez said. “I know that everything we do is to make sure that my kids at home are safe. If you are deployed or not, you are doing something to make sure everyone's family is safe.”
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.”
Sanchez has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have two cousins in the Marines,” said Sanchez. “I wanted to do at least four years to give back and serve my country.”
Sanchez is also proud of his command and the support they show their sailors.
“The best thing about our command is that no matter what your rank, someone is always willing to help you in any way,” said Sanchez. “They help with everything we need. That is pretty nice.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Sanchez 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 keeping everyone, not just my family, safe,” Sanchez said. “To be able to volunteer is keeping our freedom.”
Sanchez has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have two cousins in the Marines,” said Sanchez. “I wanted to do at least four years to give back and serve my country.”
Sanchez is also proud of his command and the support they show their sailors.
“The best thing about our command is that no matter what your rank, someone is always willing to help you in any way,” said Sanchez. “They help with everything we need. That is pretty nice.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Sanchez 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 keeping everyone, not just my family, safe,” Sanchez said. “To be able to volunteer is keeping our freedom.”