LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Apprentice Mia Santana, this story has ties to Addison, Illinois, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“Growing up, I learned the value of discipline and patience,” Santana said. “From experience, I already know how to be calm. I just have a good mindset.”
Santana graduated from Addison Trail High School in 2025.
Santana joined the Navy nearly a year ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to be independent without having to deal with the financial stuff,” Santana said. “The Navy was the only branch that came to mind when I was thinking about joining the military. It was the only branch that really caught my attention.”
Today, Santana serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to the “Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
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.
Santana has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of completing all of my schooling,” Santana said. “It was harder than I expected with all my ‘A’ and ‘C’ schools. I’m also proud of volunteering with the Suicide Prevention and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs.”
Santana serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
“Serving in the Navy means a brighter future for me,” Santana said. “It’s given me a head start.”
Santana is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family because, even though they didn’t think I’d be able to do it, they gave me the motivation to go into the military,” Santana said.