ATHENS, Texas — Petty Officer 1st Class Erika Buie, a native of Athens, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
ATHENS, Texas — Petty Officer 1st Class Erika Buie, a native of Athens, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106, which operates the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Buie graduated from Malakoff High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Athens.
“My hometown taught me to keep an open mind,” said Buie. “It's a small town, so you have to be receptive to all people and opportunities. Life is better when you embrace the communities you're in.”
Buie joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Buie serves as a legalman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see the world outside of my hometown,” said Buie. “I would say if you are in a small town, the military is a great way to achieve success. Even if you only serve one contract, you can use it as a stepping stone.”
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% 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.
Buie 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."
Buie has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a legalman,” said Buie. “I was told that I would be denied, that it was too difficult, that I had too many kids, and that I was not a high enough rank. It was gratifying to prove them wrong.”
Buie can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a second family,” said Buie. “It gives me a sense of unity, which is important because that fosters shared support and purpose.”
Buie is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Chief Dominica Cisneros. She was my sponsor and she is still my mentor,” added Buie. “I would also like to thank my mom, Tanya Harris and my sister, Seleste Sherman for all their moral support.”