VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class April Hutchinson, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, nicknamed the Rhino.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld |
Hutchinson graduated from Churchland High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Portsmouth.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of having a career,” said Hutchinson. “Before I joined the Navy, I was a manager at Walmart for almost five years and it was good, but it also showed me I wanted a career and not just a job.”
Hutchinson joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Hutchinson serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy for better opportunities and to have a career,” said Hutchinson. “I originally wanted to be a hospital corpsman, but the advancement opportunities were not good, so I chose to be an information systems technician.”
The mission of the Rhino demonstration team is to share the rich heritage of naval aviation and display the hard work and dedication of U.S. Navy service members to the public.
The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Hutchinson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Hutchinson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was getting promoted to petty officer second class in two years,” said Hutchinson. “I love having leadership opportunities and being able to take care of our shop by making sure the work continues to flow through.”
Hutchinson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Hutchinson. “This is my career and the education and benefits and certifications I can earn for free cannot be matched anywhere else.”
Hutchinson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my mom and dad,” added Hutchinson. “They were all for me joining the Navy from the beginning. My boyfriend Marquise is also very supportive.”
Hutchinson is looking ahead toward their future.
“I want to get my Security Plus certification, which is required by most IT jobs,” added Hutchinson. “I want to eventually work as a network administrator.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/