The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Petty Officer Third Class Emma Young, a daughter of Sisters residents, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, California.

Young joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Young serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

"I joined the Navy to be a diver," said Young. "I was going to convert back to Navy diver but I liked aviation ordnanceman so I stuck with it. I liked the people, their work ethic, and the job."

Naval Air Station 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.

This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their "Wings of Gold." Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally, and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.

With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.

"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."

Serving in the Navy means Young is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America's focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities, and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

"We contribute to national defense by covering everything from the land, to air, and especially the sea," said Young. "We have a very large fleet that's capable of covering almost everywhere in the world."

Young and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

"I'm most proud of my recent deployment," said Young. "I was able to hold a leading petty officer position as a third-class petty officer. This position is usually held by a first-class petty officer. I'm also proud of receiving an end-of-service Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal."

As Young and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

"To me, being in the Navy gives me a chance to serve my country and protect my loved ones," added Young.