Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
LEMOORE, Calif.- A West Palm Beach, Florida, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Airman Matthew Saulog is an aviation ordnanceman with the Warhawks of VFA 97, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for loading and arming the jets.
“My dad taught me a good work ethic,” Saulog said. “I make sure I get the job done right the first time. I keep working until the job is done.”
Members of VFA 97 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.”
“My grandfather was in the Coast Guard and Navy,” said Saulog. “He traveled the world two times over. That influenced my decision to join.”
Saulog is also proud of his command.
“I enjoy working with the people as well as working on the aircraft,” said Saulog. “They are just fun people to work with. It is a lot of easier to work with people who do the same things. We are all here for the same purpose.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Saulog 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 serving my country and protecting the people back home,” Saulog said. “I am doing a purposeful job and am able to see the world.”