Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- An Orlando, Florida, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Neely is an aviation electrician's mate with the Sidewinders of VFA 86, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation electrician's mate is responsible for maintenance and repair of the wiring in the flight essential circuits. “My parents taught me integrity,” Neely said. “That is one thing no one can take from me.”
Members of VFA 86 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.”
Neely has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My stepdad was in the Navy,” said Neely. “He helped guide me through my job selection.”
Neely is also proud of the people in his command.
“I like the sailors who work for me,” said Neely “They bust their butts.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Neely and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like that serving in the Navy gives me the ability to provide college money for my daughters,” Neely said. “I also like the people that I've met.”
“My stepdad was in the Navy,” said Neely. “He helped guide me through my job selection.”
Neely is also proud of the people in his command.
“I like the sailors who work for me,” said Neely “They bust their butts.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Neely and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I like that serving in the Navy gives me the ability to provide college money for my daughters,” Neely said. “I also like the people that I've met.”