LEMOORE, Calif. - Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Seaman Aaron Carreon, this story has ties to San Diego, 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 |
“I played soccer growing up, and that taught me the importance of teamwork,” Carreon said. “It’s helped me because, in the Navy, we all need each other and have to work together to get the job done.”
Carreon graduated from Sweetwater High School in 2024.
Carreon joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for a new experience,” Carreon said. “I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere while living in my parents’ house and not really doing anything for myself. One of my friends convinced me to go with them to the recruiter’s office. Three of us went, but I was the only one who actually joined.”
Today, Carreon 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.
Carreon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was nominated for Flying Eagle of the Quarter this quarter,” Carreon said. “It feels good because it really shows that I’ve been doing a good job helping my coworkers.”
Carreon 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 is helping me grow as a person,” Carreon said.
Carreon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents who have always supported me,” Carreon said.