SAN DIEGO - Lt. Malia Meditz, a sailor from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM-30).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Williams |
Meditz graduated from Kamehameha High School in 2014 and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2018 with a degree in operations research.
Meditz joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Meditz serves as a pilot.
“I've wanted to be a pilot since middle school, and in high school I was introduced to the service academies as a smart way to not only get a college degree, but also become a pilot,” said Meditz. "I went to a week-long summer program at the Naval Academy and knew I wanted to apply there."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ewa Beach.
“Growing up in Hawaii, I was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures and diversity, which prepared me well for being in the Navy where everyone comes together from different backgrounds,” said Meditz. "My high school also taught me about Hawaiian values like Kuleana (responsibility) and Hoihi (respect), which made me into the person I am today."
According to Navy officials, members of VRM-30 fly and maintain the CMV-22B Osprey, a vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft. VRM aircraft have increased operational range, faster cargo loading and unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
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.
Meditz serves a Navy that operates 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.”
Meditz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was graduating from the Naval Academy and earning my commission in 2018,” said Meditz. "It was an honor receiving my degree from the President himself. Also, getting my wings and being able to fly Navy Ospreys is an honor. I put in a lot of work throughout school, and it was very rewarding to see it pay off."
Meditz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy makes me feel like I'm truly part of something larger than myself,” said Meditz. "I love my country and what we stand for, so it is very fulfilling to me to have a career that is exciting in more ways than one."
Meditz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my mom and dad, Moana and Ted Meditz, for being my biggest supporters,” added Meditz. "I also would like to thank my sisters, Alana, and brother-in-law, Justin, for their support. My whole family always welcomes me back home even though I don't get to visit often, and they always tell me how proud they are of me. I'd also like to thank my hometown friends for pushing me throughout school, which gave me the drive I have today."