LEMOORE, Calif. – Seaman AaQila Abdul-BaaQee, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
Abdul-BaaQee joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Abdul-BaaQee serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy for financial stability and to get an education,” said Abdul-BaaQee.
Growing up in Memphis, Abdul-BaaQee attended Middle College High School and graduated in 2021. Today, Abdul-BaaQee relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Memphis to succeed in the military.
“Being nice and patient goes a long way when communicating with people, especially when you're trying to make connections,” said Abdul-BaaQee.
These lessons have helped Abdul-BaaQee 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, Abdul-BaaQee 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 make sure people are at ease and protect them from dangers unknown to them,” said Abdul-BaaQee.
Abdul-BaaQee and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Through hard work and personal development, I have earned Sailor of Quarter, Sailor of the Month and Sailor of the Week in my time here,” said Abdul-BaaQee.
As Abdul-BaaQee and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the military means I can get a house later,” said Abdul-BaaQee. "I can also get an education and will have career options after my time in the military."
“I would recommend to others to consider the Navy for the education and travel opportunities,” added Abdul-BaaQee. "If you don't have a family, there's a family in the Navy."