VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Asiem McBean, from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 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 |
McBean graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in 1999.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Thomas.
“Growing up, I learned to always work hard, no matter the limits or limitations put on you,” said McBean. “Some people see something is hard and they give up on it. I punch through and try all I can to get it done.”
McBean joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, McBean serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I was recruited by the Navy to be on their track team,” said McBean. “I picked up rank quickly so I gave up the track team and decided to become an aviation machinist’s mate.”
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.
McBean 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.”
McBean has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is the personal relationships I have built,” said McBean. “When people treat you like family they become your family. When your time in the service is finished, you will still have those people you built those relationships with.”
McBean can take pride in serving America through military service.
“It means the world to me to serve,” said McBean. “To have the opportunity to be an ambassador for the Navy to the people in my community and the kids I coach in soccer is very rewarding.”
McBean is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my parents for the opportunity to join,” added McBean. “I was 17 and they had to give me permission to sign up. There have been so many mentors along the way and what they put into me in terms of time and caring has made me successful.”
McBean has big plans for their future after military service.
“I want to return to St. Thomas and be a governor for the Virgin Islands,” added McBean. “I want to let people know there are opportunities out there and the military is one of those options that can be a stepping stone. I want others to see they can come back here afterward and change things that will help the people.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in St. Thomas.
“Growing up, I learned to always work hard, no matter the limits or limitations put on you,” said McBean. “Some people see something is hard and they give up on it. I punch through and try all I can to get it done.”
McBean joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, McBean serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I was recruited by the Navy to be on their track team,” said McBean. “I picked up rank quickly so I gave up the track team and decided to become an aviation machinist’s mate.”
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.
McBean 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.”
McBean has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is the personal relationships I have built,” said McBean. “When people treat you like family they become your family. When your time in the service is finished, you will still have those people you built those relationships with.”
McBean can take pride in serving America through military service.
“It means the world to me to serve,” said McBean. “To have the opportunity to be an ambassador for the Navy to the people in my community and the kids I coach in soccer is very rewarding.”
McBean is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I have to thank my parents for the opportunity to join,” added McBean. “I was 17 and they had to give me permission to sign up. There have been so many mentors along the way and what they put into me in terms of time and caring has made me successful.”
McBean has big plans for their future after military service.
“I want to return to St. Thomas and be a governor for the Virgin Islands,” added McBean. “I want to let people know there are opportunities out there and the military is one of those options that can be a stepping stone. I want others to see they can come back here afterward and change things that will help the people.”
An updated schedule, along with other information about the Rhino team is available at https://www.facebook.com/rhinodemoteam/