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

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller

LEMOORE, Calif. – A 2010 Glenda Dawson High School graduate and Pearland, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Fleet Readiness Center West where Commander Strike Fighter Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet is located.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrian Huerta works as an aviation ordnanceman and operates out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.

A Navy aviation ordnanceman is responsible for repair, maintenance and loading of aircraft weapons, components and systems.

“My parents instilled in me the values of hard work and dedication,” said Huerta. “I have always carried that with me. When I work in the military, I have pride in working no matter how big or small the job is. I always give it all I've got.”

The strike fighter wing, headquartered at NAS Lemoore, ensures that each squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for the Pacific Fleet.

Sailors stationed in Lemoore are responsible for the operation of the airfield, providing services and support to the Naval Air Station, tenant and transiting aircraft. They also provide firefighting functions, both structural and rescue and conduct shipboard firefighting training.

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

“My mom was in the Army, and my sister is in the Air Force,” said Huerta. “My mom influenced me, and I influenced my sister to join.”

Huerta is also proud of being selected as the Junior Sailor of the Quarter in the first quarter of this year for all of his hard work.

With the CSFWP consisting of more than 20 squadrons, highly specialized jobs range from training new aviators to maintaining airframes and engines, to handling and flying aircraft.

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

“When you wake up you know that you are sacrificing,” Huerta added. “But, it's all for your country. It makes me proud, and in the end it will be worth it.”