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Las Cruces Native Serves With Navy Strike Fighter Squadron

  LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2008 Onate High School graduate and Las Cruces, New Mexico native 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.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Stephanie Pogue 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.

“I’m in charge of the training program that teaches Sailors how to work on the aircraft,” said Pogue.

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.

“This is such a large squadron that I meet new people every day,” said Pogue.

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

“Every Sailor does their part to make the mission a success,” said Pogue. “It is a team effort and it’s important that each person is qualified and ready to do their job.”

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.

“The Navy gives me the feeling that I am part of a giant family,” said Pogue. “I know I can turn to anyone in the squadron and I know that they will be there for me.”