By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Electa Berassa, Navy Office of Community Outreach

LEMOORE, Calif.- A 2013 C.E. King High School graduate and Houston native is currently serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron which flies one of the world’s most advanced warplanes.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Shakeitha Jones is an aviation ordnanceman with the Kestrels of VFA 137, which operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore. A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for upkeep and maintenance of aircraft as well as the uploading and downloading of weapons.

“I have learned that if you want something, you go get it,” Jones said. “Nothing is handed to you. My uncle taught me you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it. That helped me no matter how big or small the qualification is, I don't let that stop me from getting it.”

Members of VFA 137 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.”

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

“My uncle is retired from the Navy, and my grandfather was in the Army,” said Jones. “My uncle influenced my decision. He joined right after high school and retired at 40. A lot of people make it seem like the Navy stops you from going to school but he made it.”

Jones is also proud of advancing to second class petty officer in November.

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

“Serving in the Navy means having the opportunity to support and defend our country,” Jones said. “I am being a role model to my little nieces and nephews.”