By Alvin Plexico
Navy Office of Community Outreach

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Petty Officer 1st Class Irvin Garcia, a native of Kannapolis, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Garcia graduated from A. L. Brown High School in 2016.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kannapolis.

“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Garcia. “My hometown has a lot of blue-collar workers who work hard.”

Garcia joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Garcia serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.

“I’m first generation from Mexico,” said Garcia. “This offers a nice stepping stone for future generations.”

The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. The aircraft take off from and land aboard Navy aircraft carriers at sea and are 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.

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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

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

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Garcia has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud to make the rank of petty officer first class in just six years,” said Garcia. “It required a lot of work and having the ability to bounce back from challenges.”

Garcia can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” said Garcia. “It’s an honor to belong to something bigger than yourself. You can bring your own experiences to the larger unit to help others in the command.”

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

“I’d like to thank Todd Hagler,” added Garcia. “He was the strength and conditioning coach in my high school. He was a big influence on my ability to overcome adversity and to finish what I started.”