VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Gallagher, a native of Richmond, 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 |
Gallagher graduated from Clover Hill High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Richmond.
“I’m from a blue-collar city that taught hard work and dedication,” said Gallagher. “I knew I had to do something and my grandfather, who was an Army sergeant major, pointed me in the right direction.”
Gallagher joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Gallagher serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I was working a dead-end job and I wanted a career that would pay for school,” said Gallagher. “I joined with the intention of getting my degree and I will finish with a bachelor’s in aeronautics in September.”
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.
Gallagher 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.”
Gallagher has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proudest of making petty officer second class and starting college,” said Gallagher. “I pride myself in being a good teacher and passing on what I’ve learned.”
Gallagher can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means I have my country’s back,” said Gallagher. “I’m a very family-oriented person and the people I have met in the Navy have become my family too. You can’t have integrity without being accountable. Those are core values the Navy teaches that every person should have.”
Gallagher is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to give all the credit and thanks to my wife, Stephanie, who has always told me to never be content and strive for something greater,” added Gallagher. “She is an amazing mother to our four children and the backbone of our family. She teaches me something new every day.”
Gallagher is making plans for the future, including continuing to serve.
“I hope to get promoted again this year, but I intend on going into the Navy Reserves in 2026,” added Gallagher. “We bought a house in Virginia Beach and I look forward to cherishing every moment with my family.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/