LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2014 Broadneck High School graduate and Annapolis, Maryland, native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Ahmay is an aviation electronics technician with the Mighty Shrikes of VFA 94, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation electronics technician is responsible for maintaining radar communications aboard the aircraft.

“I was taught to always keep my head up,” Ahmay said. “Not everything goes your way, especially in the military. It’s always good to keep a positive attitude.”

Members of VFA 94 work with the F/A 18 Super Hornet, one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land. 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 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.

“Strike Fighter Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet, based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is the heart of Naval Aviation,” said Capt. James S. Bates, Deputy Commodore, Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific. “The sailors assigned to SFWP always exceed expectations and produce amazing results through team work and dedication to their department, squadron, the U.S. Navy and their family. Naval Aviation is a challenging occupation, but our sailors work day in and day out to provide fully mission capable aircraft and fully qualified aircrew to ensure leadership is able to answer national level tasking. I am humbled to be able to lead the sailors of SFWP and I am proud to call Lemoore my home.”

Ahmay has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My grandpa was in the Navy,” said Ahmay. “He told me a lot of stories about his time in the Navy. Once I found out, it seemed like it was something I could do. He got to travel and do a bunch of cool stuff. I knew I wanted to do the same.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Ahmay and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“I am proud to serve my country,” Ahmay said. “I am proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.”

By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller