LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Jevon Hernandez, this story has ties to Oakdale, California, 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 |
“In high school I was an offensive guard on the football team,” Hernandez said. “I enjoyed being part of a team, working on a common goal and protecting the quarterback. I do the same thing here and enjoy working with equipment that keeps planes safe flying in the air.”
Hernandez graduated from Oakdale High school in 2019.
Hernandez joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy looking to travel and see the world,” Hernandez said. “I grew up in a small town and knew there was more for me in the world. The Navy allows me to work in a career that excites me and makes me want to come to work.”
Today, Hernandez serves as an aviation ordnanceman assigned to Naval Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division, Lemoore 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.
Hernandez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the fact that my hard work and dedication has paid off and I was able to climb to the rank of petty officer 2nd class,” Hernandez said. “I have also been selected to 1st class and am looking forward to continuing to give my all to the Navy and pick up more leadership skills to help other junior sailors.”
Hernandez 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 serving for the betterment of your fellow Americans,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents back at home for always being there for me and always having my back,” Hernandez said. “They were there with me six years ago signing documents at the recruiting office and they are still here supporting me today.”