By Sentinel staff report
Students from Orosi High School’s Academy of Engineering recently visited the Flying Eagles of Strike-Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
The 11th grade engineering students from Josh Woods’ computer science and software engineering and Jason Boyer’s digital electronics classes toured the squadron, learning about the mission and history of the U.S. Navy’s West Coast strike-fighter aircraft training squadron.
Lieutenant Leslie “Dirty” Garcia, a combat veteran of Afghanistan and instructor pilot at VFA-122, gave some impressive facts about the unit.
“With about 100 aircraft, the squadron by itself is the sixth largest air force in the world,” Garcia said.
The students were given valuable insight into some of the career opportunities available to them in the armed forces. They were given information about the college requirements and career path necessary to become a Naval aviator, as well as technical career opportunities the Navy has to offer.
After a briefing in the squadron’s ready room, the students toured the maintenance facilities at VFA-122, learning from various servicemen and servicewomen first-hand about their jobs.
“I was surprised the jets looked so big,” Adam Garcia said about the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. “They were bigger than I would have imagined.
“It was interesting how many parts were interchangeable on the engines,” David Arrellano said.
Woods was impressed with the aircraft design. “It was impressive how the aircraft were modified to accommodate fitting on an aircraft carrier.”
Career possibilities also interested many students. Darlin Velasco mentioned an interest in joining the Navy. “I’m thinking about it,” she said.
However, her friend Maria, inspired by the aircraft, had a different opinion: “I’m thinking about the Air Force.”
Thanks to the generosity of NAS Lemoore Public Affairs Officer Marc Calero, all of the students had an enjoyable time, getting a chance to experience how the professional young men and women of the armed forces live and work.
While many think of the military as a fighting force, it is also a leading employer for careers in engineering and technology.
“Hopefully students were inspired to pursue careers they had not considered before,” Boyer said.