SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Lee Strickland, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50, located in San Diego, California.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Strickland joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Strickland serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman with Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron.
“I was inspired to join the Navy for the opportunity and the discipline that I would receive from it,” said Strickland. “I just wanted to serve and do something for everyone else – not just myself.”
Growing up in Fort Worth, Strickland attended R.L. Paschal High School and graduated in 2006. Today, Strickland relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Fort Worth to succeed in the military.
“I learned that respect is earned not given and that if you’re friendly to people then they'll most likely be friendly back,” said Strickland.
These lessons have helped Strickland while serving in the Navy.
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
Serving in the Navy means Strickland is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to our national defense because we provide freedom of the sealanes,” said Strickland.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of naval surface forces. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Strickland and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of helping junior sailors to get promoted,” said Strickland. “I just love to see people progress and gain extra responsibility.”
As Strickland and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means challenges and rewards,” added Strickland. “Going through what I went through to where I am now has helped mold me into a better husband, father and friend.”