By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Lt. j.g. Tyson Stickler, a native of Missouri City, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 in support of the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Stickler joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Stickler serves as a weapon system officer.

“I wanted to do something not many people get to do," said Stickler. "I was interested in working with a competitive team on complex high-risk problems."

Stickler graduated from Ridge Point High School in 2015 and from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019.

“I wouldn't be here without my family, friends, teachers and mentors who supported me along the way,” said Stickler.

Today, Stickler relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Missouri City to succeed in the military.

“I grew up in a very diverse hometown,” said Stickler. "This allows me to work, interact and relate to people from many backgrounds to create a more-cohesive unit."

These lessons have helped Stickler while serving with the Navy.

The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as striking targets on land.

Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.

Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.

Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

"The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries."

Serving in the Navy means Stickler is part of a world 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.

“The U.S. Navy protects freedom of the seas, allowing goods and services to make it to people around the world,” said Stickler.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

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

“I was proud to earn my wings in February of this year,” said Stickler. "It was the culmination of a lot of hard work and putting in the time and effort to accomplish a goal.”

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

“Representing the United States to the world and getting to do meaningful work with the best and brightest the U.S. has to offer is a great honor,” added Stickler.