LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 1st Class Amy Cruz, a native of Clovis, California, 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 |
Cruz joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Cruz serves as a yeoman.
“I joined because I come from a family of immigrants who weren't afforded many opportunities,” said Cruz. "Being in the Navy allows me to support them while giving me the opportunity to see the world."
Growing up in Clovis, Cruz attended Clovis East High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Cruz relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Clovis to succeed in the military.
“I learned that working hard will always be beneficial,” said Cruz. "You will be able to achieve your goals if you put in the effort."
These lessons have helped Cruz 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, Cruz 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.
“The Navy plays a massive role in national defense, and I think a lot of the time nobody sees the impact we all have on an individual level when it comes to defending freedom,” said Cruz. "We all play a role to protect the seas, no matter how small that role is, it is invaluable."
Cruz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishments are advancing to petty officer first class and receiving Sailor of the Year in 2020,” said Cruz. "These moments validate all of my hard work, and as a reward, I got to be a passenger in a F/A-18 Super Hornet.”
As Cruz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means always having a purpose,” said Cruz. “Whether it’s serving your country, family, or junior sailors, there will always be something or someone that needs you.”
Cruz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom and dad,” added Cruz. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”