Northview Grad Serving With Navy Strike Fighter Squadron

March 29, 2015

A 2014 Northview High School graduate is currently serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 122, also known as the “Flying Eagles”, stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Airman Willie Owens is an aviation ordnanceman with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-122, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

“I am responsible for handling and maintaining the F/A-18 Super Hornet weapons systems,” said Owens.

The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface combat. It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 lbs., and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.

Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.

“I enjoy the people and learning experiences the most,” said Owens.

Owens said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the squadron’s 1140-member team, helping to protect America on the world’s oceans.

“My job trains the pilots to fly with and operate the weapons systems on the Super Hornet,” said Owens.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied in VFA-122. Approximately 220 officers, 660 enlisted and 260 civilian men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining aircraft airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.

“The Sailors here are the epitome of a team,” said Cmdr. Ernie Spence, VFA-122’s commanding officer. “Everyone here is professional, skilled in their job, and they are great team players which enables us to accomplish our mission.”

The Flying Eagles are the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. They train aircrew and maintainers to prepare them to go to the fleet and join the squadrons that fly the Super Hornet. VFA-122 trained aircrews have flown combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

“I’m proud to be in the Navy and I’m glad I’m serving my country,” said Owens.

Submitted article and photo by Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs for NorthEscambia.com.

Comments

12 Responses to “Northview Grad Serving With Navy Strike Fighter Squadron”

  1. MM3 Moretz on April 2nd, 2015 5:06 pm

    Good job there Willie. Keep up the hard work and perhaps I’ll see you one day over here with the Atlanic Fleet!

  2. Lori Bell on April 1st, 2015 2:04 pm

    Now your a star!!! Way to go Will!

  3. Ginger Stabler on April 1st, 2015 9:17 am

    Thank you for your service! Our prayers for your success and safety during your journey!

    On behalf of the Atmore Memorial Ladies Auxiliary to VFW

  4. mick on March 31st, 2015 1:40 pm

    To Chief, ahh the right of passage, to become a Shellback , and those steel beach picnics! Get ready Willie, the responsibilities you have accepted in serving your country are going to bring a lifetime of rewards…

  5. 429SCJ on March 31st, 2015 6:50 am

    Thank you for your service Airman Owens. Good Luck.

  6. Chief on March 31st, 2015 12:36 am

    Big Willie, Congrats on the west coast squadron! Its looks
    like we will be adding another Shellback to the family! Mick is right, you do us all proud!

  7. Mike Henderson on March 30th, 2015 6:54 am

    I have worked with he NAVY NJROTC Curriculum Dept. for over 23 years and every time I see one of our cadets excel in the Navy like this young man has, it makes me very proud of them and our program. Very proud of this young man and I wish him the best while he serves his tour in the Navy. What great leadership you have shown to other cadets in the program. Keep up the great work Airman Owens.

  8. Joyce Gunn on March 29th, 2015 10:04 pm

    Willie is another fine example from our NJROTC Program at Northview High. He had good instructors and took his role seriously and it shows.

  9. mick on March 29th, 2015 4:18 pm

    You are going to see and do things on the whole just a small number of people get to do, make the most of it, you do us all proud…

  10. Ashley Joiner on March 29th, 2015 3:50 pm

    I’m so proud of you Buddy! I’m happy to hear your doing good and happy with what your doing:)

  11. Sage 2 on March 29th, 2015 1:31 pm

    An example for ANY young man or woman to follow. He’s leading by example, not superfluous words.
    Thank you for your service, young man!

  12. NJROTCadet on March 29th, 2015 8:42 am

    Congrats Willie!!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News