Bend native helps keep Navy’s Super Hornets flying
A 2004 Mountain View High School graduate and Bend native is serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron Fourteen, also known as the “Tophatters” at Naval Air Station Lemoore in Central California.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Funchess is an aviation electrician’s mate with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-14, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E Super Hornet.
“I troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical issues on the F/A-18 Super Hornet,” said Funchess, chosen as VFA-14’s “Sailor of the Year.”
The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface combat. It’s about 61 feet long, has a maximum loaded weight of 66,000 pounds — and a top speed of 1,190 miles per hour.
Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.
“I enjoy the atmosphere and the camaraderie the most about being with the Tophatters,” said Funchess.
Funchess said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the squadron’s 217-member team, helping to protect America on the world’s oceans.
“Everything on the aircraft is controlled by electrical signal,” said Funchess. “So, when a problem occurs, it is up to the electrician to troubleshoot and notify the workcenter that the part relates to.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied in VFA-14. About 24 officers and 193 enlisted men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly. That includes everything from maintaining aircraft airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.
“VFA-14 is made up of a group of hard-working and skilled individuals whom work exceptionally well together.” said Cmdr. Tommy Locke, VFA-14’s commanding officer. “Being a part of a squadron with as much history as VFA-14 instills a lot of pride and honor in our team and in the work we do. Everyone knows their job and what is expected of them to complete our mission.”
The Tophatters are the Navy’s oldest active squadron, having formed in 1919. Since the squadron’s inception, they have flown 23 different types of aircraft, changed designations 14 times, and operated from 20 different aircraft carriers.
“The travel and the sense of pride is what I enjoy the most about serving in the Navy,” Funchess said.
