Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.- A 2011 Bullard High School graduate and Fresno, California, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyra Richards is an aviation electronics technician with the Gladiators of VFA 106, which operates out of Naval Air Station Oceana.
A Navy aviation electronics technician is responsible for maintaining and repairing electronic primary mission systems of Navy aircraft.
Richards credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fresno.
“We were known for agriculture in Fresno, so that’s a strong work ethic right there,” said Richards. “I think I’ve carried it over to my Navy career.”
Members of VFA 106 fly and maintain 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 pounds, 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. Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Richards is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Richards is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I got it at the end of a deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Richards. “I was on a destroyer where I did really rewarding work.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Richards, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Richards is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather and uncle served on submarines,” said Richards. “I thought that was cool.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Richards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I actually enjoy the non-stop work here. I can see the direct results of what I do,” added Richards. “Seeing an aircraft take off after you work on it is rewarding. I thrive on the pressure too.”
A Navy aviation electronics technician is responsible for maintaining and repairing electronic primary mission systems of Navy aircraft.
Richards credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fresno.
“We were known for agriculture in Fresno, so that’s a strong work ethic right there,” said Richards. “I think I’ve carried it over to my Navy career.”
Members of VFA 106 fly and maintain 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 pounds, 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. Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Richards is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Richards is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I got it at the end of a deployment supporting Operation Inherent Resolve,” said Richards. “I was on a destroyer where I did really rewarding work.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Richards, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Richards is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather and uncle served on submarines,” said Richards. “I thought that was cool.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Richards and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I actually enjoy the non-stop work here. I can see the direct results of what I do,” added Richards. “Seeing an aircraft take off after you work on it is rewarding. I thrive on the pressure too.”