A 2011 Seminole Ridge High School graduate and Loxahatchee native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 122, also known as the “Flying Eagles,” stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Airman Erin Holtz is an aviation electrician’s mate with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-122, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
“My job is to make sure that the electrical components of the jets are functioning properly,” Holtz said.
Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time.
“VFA-122 is the biggest squadron in the Navy,” Holtz said. “So in this squadron, I was afforded the opportunity to perfect the skills of my trade without having to perform a lot of collateral duties.”
The Flying Eagles are the Navy’s West Coast Fleet replacement squadron for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. They train aircrew and maintainers to go to the fleet and join the squadrons that fly the Super Hornet.
VFA-122 trained aircrews have flown combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The Navy has allowed me to travel, given me a trade, and the opportunities for higher education,” Holtz said.
ABOVE: Airman Erin Holtz in front of an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft.
