BMCHS grad thriving as naval aviator

SAN DIEGO – Lt. J. G. Sofia Figueroa, a native of Choctaw, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-41 Seahawks).

Figueroa graduated from Bishop McGuiness Catholic High School in 2016.

Figueroa joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Figueroa serves as a naval aviator.

“I joined the Navy because my family has a legacy of military service, with both my father and grandfather serving full careers in the Air Force,” said Figueroa. “I hadn’t considered joining myself until my older brother attended the Naval Academy. Through him, I learned about the career and education opportunities that the Navy had to offer and decided I wanted the chance to serve there, too."

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy, Figueroa said, are similar to those found in Choctaw.

“Choctaw is a small town; somewhere between rural and suburban,” Figueroa said. “The people there are hard-working, honest, humble and extremely generous. It costs me nothing to be kind and help others where I can, and I'd like to think those are qualities I've learned from growing up in Choctaw."

According to Navy officials, members of HSM-41 Seahawks fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.

Figueroa enjoys many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is earning my wings as a helicopter pilot,” said Figueroa. “Flight school challenged me in many new ways, but with great friends, peers, and leadership throughout, we made it.

“Serving in the Navy means so much more to me now than when I initially joined,” said Figueroa. “Though I am still very early in my career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated and inspiring individuals I have met. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country, and even more so, to serve with such an amazing team."

Figueroa said she is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank my parents for their outpouring of love and support throughout my entire life,” added Figueroa. “I'd also like to thank the staff from Bishop McGuinness who wrote letters of recommendation for me and those coaches who helped me become a better teammate and athlete. Their contributions are a large part of the reason I am here today, and I am very grateful. Finally, I have to thank my parish, Saint Philip Neri, for their continued support even now.

“My first goal is to qualify as a helicopter pilot within the fleet replacement squadrons. For the next eight years, I plan on using this to travel to as many places as I can. The best part of the Navy is working with all of these amazing people. As long as I continue to work with such amazing talent, I plan on staying in.”


Photo: Lt. J. G. Sofia Figueroa, Photo by 2nd Class Isaiah Williams, mass communication specialist