LEMOORE, Calif. — A 2013 Cholla High graduate and a 2012 Mountain View High School graduate are 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 Francisco Ontiveros, the Cholla graduate, is an aviation structural mechanic 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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ethan Weirich, the Mountain View graduate, is an aviation machinist's mate with the squadron and works with the same aircraft.
"I work on the ejection seats and canopy system on the aircraft," said Ontiveros.
"I remove and install jet engines, fuel cell components, and ensure F/A-18 Super Hornets are mission capable," said Weirich.
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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 working with VFA-122 for the opportunity to lead junior Sailors and participate in a hands-on working environment," said Weirich.
Ontiveros and Weirich said they are proud of the work they are doing as part of the squadron's 1140-member team, helping to protect America on the world's oceans.
"When we do our job, we are ensuring the pilots can safely exit the aircraft in the event of an emergency," said Ontiveros.
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 which 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.
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