LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Teresa McAllister-Pringle, a native of Summerville, Massachusetts, 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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vanessa White |
McAllister-Pringle joined the Navy six years ago. Today, McAllister-Pringle serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy for financial stability and for the medical benefits to take care of my family,” said McAllister-Pringle.
Growing up in Summerville, McAllister-Pringle attended Vanguard High School and graduated in 2016. Today, McAllister-Pringle relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Summerville to succeed in the military.
“My mother taught us to be independent, so working here I do a lot of odd jobs by myself,” said McAllister-Pringle. "You have to be a self-starter because no one else will do the job for us."
These lessons have helped McAllister-Pringle 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, McAllister-Pringle 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.
“It's important for the Navy to protect our nation's borders and provide safe passageways and trade routes from our adversaries,” said McAllister-Pringle.
McAllister-Pringle and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is advancing to petty officer second class,” said McAllister-Pringle. “This was a testament to my hard work and dedication in my assigned rating.”
As McAllister-Pringle and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's a way to network and get a trade for a career in the civilian world,” said McAllister-Pringle.
McAllister-Pringle is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my immediate family for supporting me in my decision to join the Navy,” said McAllister-Pringle. "They helped me train, study, and gave me the mental support to continue my decision."
“I’m currently a student at Southern New Hampshire University majoring in creative writing,” added McAllister-Pringle. "I want to become an author writing science-fiction fantasy books."