Las Cruces sailor supports U.S. Navy fighter jet mission

Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Apprentice Isaac Sanchez, this story has ties to Las Cruces, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of common sense,” Sanchez said. “A lot of the issues I encounter every day in the Navy can be resolved with common sense.”

Sanchez graduated from Organ Mountain High School in 2023 and joined the Navy one year ago.

“I joined the Navy for a better future and financial stability,” Sanchez said. “My dad was in the Marines, and my brother was in the Army. They were a little bit more forward. The Navy was a better fit for me.”

Today, Sanchez serves as an aviation structural mechanic assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 onboard Naval Air Station Lemoore.

NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.

Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.

Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Sanchez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m most proud of graduating from boot camp,” Sanchez said. “I did it on my own without having anyone else there to get me through it. I was determined to finish.”

Sanchez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

“Serving in the Navy gives me a better purpose,” Sanchez said.

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

“I want to thank my dad, Adolfo,” Sanchez said. “After he passed away in 2022, I pushed myself to take his spot and take care of my family. I also want to thank my mom, Carmen, for never giving up on me. She’s always had my back in whatever I decide to do.”