KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii – Petty Officer 3rd Class Alyssa Sanchez, a native of Houston, Texas, serves with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 51, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Sanchez, a 2020 graduate of Katy High School, joined the Navy three years ago.

“I joined the Navy for new opportunities and to travel,” said Sanchez.

Today, Sanchez relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Houston to succeed in the military.

“Growing up I learned adaptability and community from my hometown,” said Sanchez.

These lessons have helped Sanchez while serving in the Navy.

VR-51, nicknamed “Windjammers,” is responsible for maintaining and operating C-40A Clipper aircraft and moving and supplying maritime combat forces worldwide. VR-51 personnel also deploy to three overseas duty stations on rotational schedules throughout the year.

C-40A Clipper aircraft is a military version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport and operates at speeds in excess of 500 mph and altitudes up to 41,000 feet and is capable of carrying seven crewmembers, 121 passengers, 30,000 pounds of cargo or various combined passenger/cargo loads. It provides critical logistics support to the United States Navy.

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 Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."

Serving in the Navy means Sanchez 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.

“The Navy is important to national defense because we have power projection, are able to quickly deploy and are operational in various parts of the world,” said Sanchez.

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

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is how it has helped me to grow as an individual and how it has helped build my professional knowledge,” said Sanchez.

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

“Serving in the Navy means stability and security and it helps some people get on the right path,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my husband for holding me accountable and making me a better individual, personally and professionally,” said Sanchez.

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