LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Michael Adam, this story has ties to Jacksonville, Florida, 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 |
“I grew up in Jacksonville and was constantly surrounded by Navy personnel,” Adam said. “I really liked being part of a team and having people depend on me while we all work on a common goal.”
Adam graduated from Atlantic Coast High School in 2025.
Adam joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to pursue my dream and goal of working on aircrafts,” Adam said. “I knew the Navy had a lot of opportunities and would make a successful man out of me while setting me up for the best possible future.”
Today, Adam serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 aboard 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.
Adam has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud of the fact that I made the best decision I could and enlisted in the U.S. Navy,” Adam said. “I am proud that I am working every day for the betterment of not only myself but also my country and getting paid to do it.”
Adam 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 helping others,” Adam said. “I am proud to be part of a team, and while I know I am just a cog in a much bigger wheel, I know that I am doing my part to keep my family and country safe.”
Adam is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Kelly, and dad, Eli, for always being in my corner and supporting every decision I make,” Adam said. “I would also like to thank my fellow sailors out here in the fleet who have taught me so much and welcomed me into the community. They make this job and this career that much more meaningful.”