LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Apprentice Phynix Sullivan, this story has ties to Oronogo, Missouri, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink |
“In high school I volunteered a lot with students with special needs,” Sullivan said. “That taught me patience and having respect for others. I also worked as an apprentice electrician before I enlisted. That program taught me a lot of valuable skills that I put to work here in the Navy.”
Sullivan graduated from Gopalan High School in 2023.
Sullivan joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy looking for adventure, the opportunity to earn a college degree and see the world," Sullivan said. “I wanted to learn a trade and set myself up for success in the future.”
Today, Sullivan serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Black Aces” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 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.
Sullivan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud that I made the best decision I could make for my future and enlisted in the Navy,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan 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 those who need it most,” Sullivan said. “ I wake up and go to work to serve them and make their lives that much easier and safer.”
Sullivan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Nana Kim for always being by my side and helping raise me to be the man and sailor I am today,” Sullivan said. “I work hard every day to make her and my command proud of me.”