LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 1st Class Collin Randall, a native of Grove City, Ohio, 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 |
Randall joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Randall serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” said Randall. "I also wanted to explore the world."
Growing up in Grove City, Randall attended Grove City High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Randall relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Grove City to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me how to work hard and respect others,” said Randall. "You don't leave middle America without a work ethic."
These attributes have helped Randall 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, Randall 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 is important because it is how we maintain control of the waterways,” said Randall. "A strong Navy is essential for preventing malicious countries from exploiting other countries."
Randall and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was last year with Strike Fighter Squadron 146,” said Randall. “We were rewarded the Phoenix Award. It’s an annual accolade given to the best field-level maintenance unit in the Department of Defense.”
As Randall and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I’m doing something bigger than myself to protect my country,” said Randall. "It's a challenging job but someone's gotta do it, so it might as well be me."
Randall is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family and my mentors, Master Chief Jason Ferrell and Lt. Cdr. Pat Palma,” added Randall. “They have supported me all throughout my entire career.”