LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Caiden Chapman, this story has ties to Olathe, Kansas, 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 ran track and field and also was on the swim team,” Chapman said. “I really liked being part of a team and having people depend on me while we all work on a common goal.”
Chapman graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 2018.
Chapman joined the Navy two years ago.
“Before joining the Navy I bounced around a few jobs but couldn't find my passion or purpose,” Chapman said. “I wanted to have a healthy, stable career where I could look back in 20 years and be proud. I also wanted to travel and see the world.”
Today, Chapman serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Fighting Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 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.
Chapman has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud of the fact that in under two years I have learned so much and been able to earn so many qualifications,” Chapman said. “Having this education and these qualifications makes me more useful to the Navy and lets me stand out at my command.”
Chapman 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 giving your all for your fellow Americans,” Chapman said. “We as sailors hold each other accountable to the traditions going back more than 250 years and serve with pride knowing we are keeping our families back at home safe.”
Chapman is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mother, Tausha, for always being by my side and helping me become the man I am today,” Chapman said. “Having someone back at home makes you work and fight that much harder here out in the fleet.”