Page 23 - Cindy Salas Murphy San Diego Woman Magazine

UNDER THE C OL ORS

legacy of innovation, technologi- of our operational development,” ties to achieve accomplishments
cal evolution, and maritime domi- said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s during their military service.
nance, according to Navy officials. commanding officer. “The crew’s “I am proud to be a part of the
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) efforts are what make Warship 78 modernization of the Navy,” said
represents the first major de- so great, and I can’t wait to be a Hodgkiss. “Taking on the first-in-
sign investment in aircraft car- part of what this mighty warship class advanced weapons elevator
riers since the 1960s. The ship and her crew achieve in 2022.” and being a part of the full ship
is engineered to support new Since USS Langley's com- shock trial. The trials test the ships
technologies and a modern air missioning 100 years ago, the integrity and capabilities under
wing essential to deterring and nation's aircraft carriers, such as fire."
defeating near-peer adversaries Ford, and embarked carrier air As Hodgkiss and other sailors
in a complex maritime environ- wings have projected power, sus- continue to train and perform
ment. Ford delivers a significant tained sea control, bolstered de- missions, they take pride in serv-
increase in sortie generation rate, terrence, provided humanitarian ing their country in the United
approximately three times more assistance and disaster relief, and States Navy.
electrical generation capacity, maintained enduring commit- “I'm honored to serve my na-
San Diego native and a $4 billion reduction in to- ments worldwide. Gerald R. Ford tion and make a difference,” add-
represents a generational leap in
ed Hodgkiss. “I like knowing that
tal life-cycle cost per ship, when
serves aboard compared to a Nimitz-class air- the aircraft carrier’s capacity to I am making a difference by help-
project power on a global scale.
craft carrier. Once deployed, the
ing my sailors attain their profes-
floating airport Ford-class will serve as the cen- "The aircraft carrier is our sional and personal goals.”
terpiece of strike group opera- U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flag-
By Mass Communication Spe- tions through the 21st century, ship, and a constant reminder to
cialist 1st Class Patricia Rodri- supporting a host of evolving the rest of the world of our en-
guez, Navy Office of Commu- national strategic objectives. during maritime presence and
nity Outreach When the air wing is embarked, influence," said Rear Arm. James
the ship carries more than 70 at- P. Downey, USN, Program Execu-
NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer tack fighter jets, helicopters and tive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers.
1st Class Yuki Veronica Hodgkiss, other aircraft, all of which take off "These ships touch every part
a native of San Diego, California, from and land from FORD’s state- of our Navy's mission to project
serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of-the-art Electromagnetic Air- power, ensure sea control, and
of the world’s largest warships, craft Launch System (EMALS) and deter our adversaries."
the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). Serving in the Navy means
Gerald R. Ford. With nearly 5,000 Sailors serving Hodgkiss is part of a team that
Hodgkiss joined the Navy 13 aboard, Ford is a self-contained is taking on new importance in
years ago. Today, Hodgkiss serves mobile airport. America’s focus on rebuilding
as a machinist's mate.“I joined the Aircraft carriers are often the military readiness, strengthening
Navy to better myself profession- first response to a global crisis alliances and reforming business
ally and personally,” said Hodgkiss. because of their ability to operate practices in support of the Na- WE ARE MSC: Navy
Growing up in San Diego, freely in international waters any- tional Defense Strategy.
Hodgkiss attended Kinnick High where on the world’s oceans. Car- “The Navy keeps our borders Opportunities Take
School and graduated in 2008. rier strike groups have the unique safe and protects our allies over-
Today, Hodgkiss relies upon skills advantage of mobility, making seas,” said Hodgkiss. Philippines Native
and values similar to those found them far more strategically ad- With more than 90 percent
in San Diego to succeed in the vantageous than fixed-site bas- of all trade traveling by sea, and around the World
military. es. No other weapon system can 95 percent of the world’s interna-
“Diversity at home helped deploy and operate forward with tional phone and internet traffic Story by Lt. Myer Krah Military
me embrace the many different a full-sized, nuclear-powered air- carried through fiber optic cables Sealift Command Far East
types of people in the Navy.,” said craft carrier's speed, endurance, lying on the ocean floor, Navy of-
Hodgkiss. These lessons have agility, and the combat capability ficials continue to emphasize that GUAM — Maritime Preposi-
helped Hodgkiss while serving in of its air wing. the prosperity and security of the tioning Ships Squadron 3 select-
the Navy. Aircraft carriers provide “I could not be more proud of United States is directly linked to ed Petty Officer Johncarlo Legas-
unique capabilities and surviv- our sailors; this crew displayed a a strong and ready Navy. pi as Junior Sailor of the Year.
ability. They are a powerful ex- phenomenal amount of resiliency Hodgkiss and the sailors they “I love my job, and I under-
hibition of the American Navy's and proficiency during each phase serve with have many opportuni- stand the importance of it. I am
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