PHILIPPINE SEA — In the heart of the Pacific, where diplomacy meets defense, a son of Galveston, Texas, is making waves aboard one of the U.S. Navy’s most formidable assets. Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Apprentice Wallace Barnes, alongside Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Aldred Arandia of Vallejo, California, was recently photographed conducting critical maintenance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the "Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94 aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

The image, captured on April 30, 2025, inside the ship’s hangar bay, illustrates more than just skilled mechanical work—it’s a powerful reminder of the everyday commitment and excellence demonstrated by U.S. Navy personnel on deployment.

Currently operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility, the USS Nimitz is on a scheduled deployment in the Philippine Sea, strengthening international maritime partnerships and showcasing America’s unwavering support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Hometown Hero in a Global Theater

Hailing from Galveston, Wallace Barnes represents the pride and promise of Texas service members who take their local roots and apply them to a global mission. As part of the flight deck crew responsible for maintaining the Navy’s premier carrier-based fighter aircraft, Barnes plays an essential role in maintaining air superiority and mission readiness.

“From Galveston to the Gulf of the Pacific, Airman Apprentice Barnes is a shining example of Texas grit and American excellence,” said a Navy spokesperson. “It’s service members like him who keep our fleet flying and our nation secure.”

The Legacy of the Mighty Shrikes and USS Nimitz

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter that forms the backbone of naval aviation. The aircraft maintained by Barnes and Arandia belongs to Strike Fighter Squadron 94, known as the “Mighty Shrikes,” a unit with a proud heritage of combat readiness and precision strike capabilities.

Meanwhile, the USS Nimitz, the Navy’s oldest deployed aircraft carrier and the lead ship in its class, continues to serve as a key pillar of power projection in the Indo-Pacific. Deployed alongside allies and regional partners, the Nimitz and her crew are central to the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability, freedom of navigation, and cooperative security.

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