Story by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
LEMOORE, Calif. – Petty Officer 1st Class Lauren Delgado, a native of Maineville, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore (NAS) Lemoore, California.Delgado joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Delgado serves as an aviation structural mechanic- safety equipment.
“After I graduated from high school, I was unsure of what career path I wanted to take,” said Delgado. “I joined the Navy for the benefits, the financial assistance for college and for the life experiences.”
Growing up in Maineville, Delgado attended Little Miami High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Delgado relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Maineville to succeed in the military.
“Playing softball for 10 years taught me teamwork and camaraderie,” said Delgado. “Also, my parents taught me self-discipline and a good work ethic. Those lessons have helped me succeed both professionally and personally.”
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.
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 Delgado 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.
“We are always forward-deployed and ready to go at a moment’s notice to protect our country,” said Delgado.
Delgado and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is being promoted to the rank of petty officer first class,” said Delgado. “Making first class is a testament to the hard work that I put in and my leadership to junior sailors who look up to me and come to me for advice.”
As Delgado 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 makes my family proud and gives me an opportunity to provide for myself and my family,” said Delgado.
Delgado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
