Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2011 Dolores Huerta Preparatory High School graduate and Pueblo, Colorado, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Jacon Marquez is an aviation machinist's mate with the Sidewinders of VFA 86, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation machinist's mate is responsible for inspecting, repairing and troubleshooting jet engines. “Growing up I was taught that you get back what you put in to any job,” Marquez said. “It is important to work hard in the Navy.”
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.”
Marquez has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My cousin in the Navy in Japan,” said Marquez. “I saw everything that she was achieving and the traveling that she was able to do. I knew the Navy was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Marquez is also proud of being selected as Bluejacket of the Month twice for going above and beyond what he was asked to do.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Marquez 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 everything to me,” Marquez said. “It has taught me a lot. I have learned a lot of life lessons and responsibilities I can carry with me outside of the Navy.”