LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Dahlstrom, a native of Shell Lake, Wisconsin, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125. The command is a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White |
Dahlstrom joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Dahlstrom serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“After a few years of college, I was looking for a different opportunity,” said Dahlstrom. “A Navy recruiter reached out while I was in college and I decided to give it a try."
Growing up in Shell Lake, Dahlstrom attended Shell Lake High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Dahlstrom relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Shell Lake to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in a small town taught me to get along with everyone, which has been a valuable skill in the Navy," said Dahlstrom.
These lessons have helped Dahlstrom 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, Dahlstrom 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 controls the seas, allowing us to protect our nation as well as our allies," said Dahlstrom.
Dahlstrom and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was proud to receive my welding certificate in 2019 while stationed on the USS George Washington,” said Dahlstrom. “Becoming a certified welder has provided me with greater career options both inside and outside the Navy. On top of that, pursuing the certification was also a lot of fun."
As Dahlstrom and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy is the best career path for me and it makes me proud to know that I can thrive in different environments," said Dahlstrom.
Dahlstrom is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father for trusting me to make my own decisions,” added Dahlstrom. “He taught me that there are not bad decisions, just opportunities to learn and grow.”