Sgt. Garrett Sauer, a native of Truxton, Missouri, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125.
The command is a joint strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base in Lemoore, California.
Sauer joined the Marine Corps five years ago. Today, Sauer serves as a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic.
“I joined to serve my country,” said Sauer. “I also wanted to make my family proud and earn the title of U.S. Marine.”
Growing up in Truxton, Sauer attended Troy Buchanan High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Sauer relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Truxton to succeed in the military.
“My hometown gave me my work ethic,” said Sauer. “Truxton also taught me that everybody deserves respect no matter the background.”
These lessons have helped Sauer while serving in the Marine Corps.
Members of VFA 125 fly and maintain the F35-C Lightning II, a combat-ready fifth-generation fighter.
According to Navy officials, the F-35C is designed with the entire battlespace in mind, bringing transformational capability to the United States and its allies. Missions traditionally performed by specialized aircraft (air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic attack, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) can now be executed by a squadron of F-35s.
For the first time in U.S. naval aviation history, radar-evading stealth capability comes to the aircraft carrier deck. The F-35C carrier variant sets new standards in weapon system integration, lethality, maintainability, combat radius and payload that bring true multi-mission power projection capability from the sea, according to Navy officials.
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.”
As a member of the maritime forces, Sauer is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“When the Marines are activated, they can be deployed anytime, anywhere in the world,” said Sauer. “The Marine Corps and the Navy invest a significant amount of time in training to maintain the readiness necessary to fulfill our mission.”
Sauer and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was receiving my “Eagle, Globe and Anchor,” the official symbol of becoming a Marine,” said Sauer. “Also becoming a non-commissioned officer is a significant step into a substantial leadership role to assist and support others.”
As Sauer and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Maritime Corps.
“Service means giving your country your best,” added Sauer. “Not just once, but every single minute of every single day.”