LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Emmanuel Munn, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125. The command is a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Munn joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Munn serves as an aviation electrician's mate.
“Joining the Navy is something I've always wanted to do,” said Munn. "I didn't want to live with the regret of not serving my country while I still physically can."
Growing up in Charlotte, Munn attended Garinger High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Munn relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Charlotte to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me perseverance and family values,” said Munn. "It also taught me how to help others and how to be resilient."
These lessons have helped Munn while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 125 fly and maintain the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter.
According to Navy officials, the F-35C is designed with the entire battlespace in mind, bringing transformational capability to the United States and its allies. Missions traditionally performed by specialized aircraft (air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s.
For the first time in U.S. naval aviation history, radar-evading stealth capability comes to the aircraft carrier deck. The F-35C carrier variant sets new standards in weapon system integration, lethality, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring true multi-mission power projection capability from the sea, according to Navy officials.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Munn is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
As a member of the Navy, Munn is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“It's important to let our enemies know that we are here,” said Munn. "There is no place in the world we can't get to in a short period of time."
Munn and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a petty officer third class,” said Munn. "Being in a position to train junior sailors beneath me and watching them grow to accomplish their goals is something I take a lot of pride in."
As Munn 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 fulfilling my goals and aspirations,” said Munn. "Serving in the military is a tradition in my family, spanning back to the War of 1812. I am proud to carry on that legacy and plan on continuing this tradition for as long as I can."
Munn is grateful for all of those who made a career in the Navy possible.
“I want to thank my children and girlfriend for inspiring me,” added Munn. “They are my biggest motivation to put on my uniform every morning. I would also like to thank my mother. They have always been there for me emotionally.”
Munn and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a petty officer third class,” said Munn. "Being in a position to train junior sailors beneath me and watching them grow to accomplish their goals is something I take a lot of pride in."
As Munn 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 fulfilling my goals and aspirations,” said Munn. "Serving in the military is a tradition in my family, spanning back to the War of 1812. I am proud to carry on that legacy and plan on continuing this tradition for as long as I can."
Munn is grateful for all of those who made a career in the Navy possible.
“I want to thank my children and girlfriend for inspiring me,” added Munn. “They are my biggest motivation to put on my uniform every morning. I would also like to thank my mother. They have always been there for me emotionally.”