Houston sailor supports U.S. Navy fighter jet mission

HOUSTON, TX -- Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Demarcus Lancaster Jr., this story has ties to Houston, Texas, where skills and values learned there are foundational to success in the Navy.

“I’m very respectful because my mom was big on respect when I was younger, so that helped me a lot growing up,” Lancaster said. “I’m caring. I care about other people’s feelings and I try to make everyone feel at home. I’m also a hard worker. All of that has helped me in the Navy.”

Lancaster graduated from Nimitz High School in 2025.

Lancaster joined the Navy seven months ago.

“I joined the Navy because of my dad, who is also in the Navy,” Lancaster said. “He’s a Navy counselor. So joining the Navy was close to home for me.”

Today, Lancaster serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman assigned to the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.

NAS Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.

Carrier strike groups and the embarked aviation squadrons are the cornerstone of U.S. naval power projection and sea power. They can quickly maneuver thousands of miles with the world’s most capable warships and top-notch sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements. U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are the most adaptable, lethal and survivable airfields in the world and their presence serves as the most credible commitment to our allies and partners.

Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable, and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.

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.

Lancaster has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud to just be here,” Lancaster said. “Being able to wake up every day and come to work is a great experience.”

Lancaster serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/

“Serving in the Navy means I’m able to protect the country I love and that I’m able to set a good example for my little brothers,” Lancaster said.

Lancaster is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom and dad, Franchelle Killings and Demarcus Lancaster Sr., because without them I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” Lancaster said. “My mom does everything. She’s like a superhero. My dad is my perfect role model. I also want to thank my boot camp RDC, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Williams, who was a great help in boot camp. He was good to everybody, mentally and physically. He was a good role model. He made boot camp hard and easy at the same time. I’d like to also thank my grandmother, Tammy Adams, for being so loving and caring. No matter what I do, I’m always her favorite.”