Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.- A 1998 Bishop Moore High School graduate and 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 2nd Class Ly Nguyen is an aviation electrician's mate with the Gladiators of VFA 106, which operates out of Naval Air Station Oceana. A Navy aviation electrician's mate is responsible for repairing and maintaining aircraft electrical systems.
Nguyen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Orlando.
“Stay true to the faith," said Nguyen. "Stay humble and remember where you came from.”
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.
Nguyen 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, Nguyen is most proud of earning a volunteer award.
“I helped out with an American Cancer Society fundraiser. The Navy gives back to the community and encourages volunteerism,” said Nguyen. “It's important, individually too, to have good face in the community.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Nguyen, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Nguyen is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“A cousin is about to retire from the Army. It’s interesting to hear his stories,” said Nguyen. “I also had an uncle who served in Vietnam.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“What I do here in the Navy is a learning opportunity,” added Nguyen. “What I take from this allows me to help others and set an example.”
Nguyen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Orlando.
“Stay true to the faith," said Nguyen. "Stay humble and remember where you came from.”
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.
Nguyen 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, Nguyen is most proud of earning a volunteer award.
“I helped out with an American Cancer Society fundraiser. The Navy gives back to the community and encourages volunteerism,” said Nguyen. “It's important, individually too, to have good face in the community.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Nguyen, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Nguyen is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“A cousin is about to retire from the Army. It’s interesting to hear his stories,” said Nguyen. “I also had an uncle who served in Vietnam.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“What I do here in the Navy is a learning opportunity,” added Nguyen. “What I take from this allows me to help others and set an example.”