Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2002 West Minster Christian Academy graduate and Rome, Georgia, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Crocker works as a hospital corpsman and operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.A Navy hospital corpsman is responsible for aviation safety involving aeromedicine and the physiology study of the human body with regards to flight.
“I have learned to have a passion for helping people,” said Crocker. “My dad is a pastor and taught me to always take care of my junior sailors.”
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.
Crocker has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My uncle was in the Army, and my grandfather was in the Army Air Corp during WWII,” said Crocker. “Their patriotism and my grandfather had the greatest influence on my decision to join.”
Crocker is also proud of being selected as the Sailor of the Quarter last year for volunteering and community outreach as well as helping those out on the flight line.
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, Crocker 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 getting the chance to serve my country while gaining camaraderie and seeing the world,” Crocker added. “I can also become a stronger person.”