Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2009 Memphis High School graduate and Memphis, Michigan, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Jahr works as a religious program specialist and operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.A Navy religious program specialist is responsible for administrative tasks for the chaplain such as scheduling appointments, counselling, training and personal security.
“Growing up in Memphis, I was taught that you have to earn what you want, and you have to work hard,” said Jahr. “A lot of those lessons came from playing football in high school. Teamwork is important in the Navy because if you don’t know how to work well with people the mission will falter.”
The strike fighter wing, headquartered at NAS Lemoore, ensures that each squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for the Pacific Fleet.
Sailors stationed in Lemoore are responsible for the operation of the airfield, providing services and support to the Naval Air Station, tenant and transiting aircraft. They also provide firefighting functions, both structural and rescue and conduct shipboard firefighting training.
Jahr has military ties with family members who have served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My brother is a Marine and my sister just got commissioned in the Army,” said Jahr. “My brother joined the Marines right before I joined the Navy and I think we had an influence on our sister to join.”
Jahr is also proud of earning his first Navy Achievement Medal for impacting the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Fund Drive.
With the CSFWP consisting of more than 20 squadrons, highly specialized jobs range from training new aviators to maintaining airframes and engines, to handling and flying aircraft.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jahr 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 is a part of my life,” Jahr added. “It has been an adventure. It is how I met my wife and now I have my two kids. I wanted to serve my country and I've been benefitted greatly.”