LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Chief Petty Officer Robert Benson, this story has ties to Phelan, 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 part of the golf team and enjoyed being responsible for a unit and having others depend on me,” Benson said. “I was taught from a young age to give it my all and no matter the circumstances to always get the job done.”
Benson graduated from Chaparral High School in 2004.
Benson joined the Navy 21 years ago.
“I joined the Navy looking for a sense of adventure, purpose and to serve my country,” Benson said. “I wanted to travel and see the world and follow in the footsteps of my sister and grandfather who have also served. I was excited about the educational and training opportunities the Navy had to offer as well.”
Today, Benson serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Flying 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.
Benson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am very proud of the fact I was able to advance and be selected to the rank of chief petty officer,” Benson said. “Being a chief allows me to step back and look at the big picture. I am now someone who junior and newer sailors come to for advice and direction and it is an honor to watch them progress in their rank and careers.”
Benson 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 being part of a military and legacy that is known worldwide as a force that can be depended and counted on, but also as one that should not be messed with,” Benson said. “I wake up every day and serve my country and my fellow Americans to the best of my ability. We are the world's and sea’s protectors and I take my career and task very seriously.”
Benson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Master Chief Berumen for helping me with my career and molding me from a first class to a chief,” Benson said. “Having a sounding board and support system in the Navy is crucial for success. I would also like to thank my wife, Katie, for always being in my corner and supporting me no matter where the Navy takes me.”