LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Seaman Apprentice Grettel Huerta, this story has ties to Monterrey, Mexico, 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 used to move a lot when I was little, so because of that, I don’t get too attached to places,” Huerta said. “Having that experience will help me now that I’m in the Navy when I have to move from base to base.”
Many of Huerta’s family members live in Monterrey.
Huerta is working toward an associate degree in political science through Lemoore College.
Huerta joined the Navy one year ago.
“Since I was little, I always wanted to work in something government-related,” Huerta said. “The military offered a lot of benefits, and that’s why I joined.”
Today, Huerta serves as a logistics specialist 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.
Huerta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I won Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2026 for VFA-122,” Huerta said. “I’m proud of that because I won and it was my first time being nominated.”
Huerta 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/
“I feel proud to serve,” Huerta said. “I’m the first person in my family to serve in the Navy, and it makes them feel proud of me.”
Huerta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my friend and mentor, Logistics Specialist Seaman Korranis Onrit,” Huerta said. “She was the first person to teach me how to do my job when I arrived at the command. I also want to thank my mom, Griselda, because she always cares about me.”