LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Chinonye Ibeh, a native of Dallas, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
Ibeh joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Ibeh serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill one of my dreams,” said Ibeh. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger for my family, especially for my dad, Rufus Ibeh, who served in the police force in Nigeria.”
Ibeh attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Lagos, Nigeria, and graduated in 2000. Today, Ibeh relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Dallas to succeed in the military.
“I learned perseverance and respect,” said Ibeh. “This trait helped me “climb the professional ladder” and be a better person and very dedicated to what I do.”
These lessons have helped Ibeh while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 136 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.
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.
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, Ibeh 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.
“We maintain peace and create a presence on the shores and seas around the world,” said Ibeh.
Ibeh and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being a rate in the Navy that puts smiles on sailors' faces and heightens morale by feeding them nutritional food on deployments,” said Ibeh.
As Ibeh and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’m part of a formidable force for the United States of America,” said Ibeh. “This means I get to be a part of peacekeeping and security for the citizens of the United States of America.”
Ibeh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would like to thank my father for telling me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to,” said Ibeh. “I would also like to thank my immediate family for their support and encouragement, especially while on deployments.”
“The Navy plays a vital role in providing you with resources in making you a better person and sailor,” added Ibeh. "It doesn't matter if you stay in or decide to go out into the civilian world, you become a better version of yourself."
Ibeh graduated from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in Enugu, Nigeria, in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. Additionally, Ibeh graduated from the University of Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Mass Communication.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White |
Ibeh joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Ibeh serves as a culinary specialist.
“I joined the Navy to fulfill one of my dreams,” said Ibeh. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger for my family, especially for my dad, Rufus Ibeh, who served in the police force in Nigeria.”
Ibeh attended Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Lagos, Nigeria, and graduated in 2000. Today, Ibeh relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Dallas to succeed in the military.
“I learned perseverance and respect,” said Ibeh. “This trait helped me “climb the professional ladder” and be a better person and very dedicated to what I do.”
These lessons have helped Ibeh while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA 136 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.
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.
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, Ibeh 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.
“We maintain peace and create a presence on the shores and seas around the world,” said Ibeh.
Ibeh and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being a rate in the Navy that puts smiles on sailors' faces and heightens morale by feeding them nutritional food on deployments,” said Ibeh.
As Ibeh and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’m part of a formidable force for the United States of America,” said Ibeh. “This means I get to be a part of peacekeeping and security for the citizens of the United States of America.”
Ibeh is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I would like to thank my father for telling me that I can achieve anything I put my mind to,” said Ibeh. “I would also like to thank my immediate family for their support and encouragement, especially while on deployments.”
“The Navy plays a vital role in providing you with resources in making you a better person and sailor,” added Ibeh. "It doesn't matter if you stay in or decide to go out into the civilian world, you become a better version of yourself."
Ibeh graduated from Enugu State University of Science and Technology in Enugu, Nigeria, in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. Additionally, Ibeh graduated from the University of Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Mass Communication.