LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 3nd Class Alexander Walters, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 122. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base.
Walters joined the Navy four and a half years ago. Today, Walters serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Walters. “Joining the military allowed me to escape bad influences and gave me a chance to become a better version of myself.”
Growing up in Las Vegas, Walters attended East Career and Technical Academy and graduated in 2018. Today, Walters relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Las Vegas to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in a diverse community has been helpful in my Navy career,” said Walters. “The Navy is a diverse organization and being part of the service requires working with many different kinds of people.”
These lessons have helped Walters while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA-122 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, Walters 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 critical to ensuring global peace through power protection,” said Walters. “The Navy has a strong global presence and is able to deter aggression wherever it operates.”
Walters and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I have received my “turn qualification,” meaning that I can operate an aircraft independently in order to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical issues,” said Walters. “Being able to operate a fighter jet makes me feel grateful for the opportunities that the Navy has provided me.”
As Walters 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 tradition,” said Walters. “Family members including my cousin have served in the Navy and my service allows me to connect to them.”
Walters is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my current supervisor, Petty Officer 1st Class Chan, for showing me what the Navy can be like,” said Walters. “He is a leader and has provided me with the training that I need to succeed.”
“Everyone should consider joining the military,” added Walters. “Serving changes you as a person for the better and it forces you to mature by taking on greater responsibility.”