Highland Springs sailor supports U.S. Navy fighter jet mission
Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Enrique Lopez, his story has ties to Highland Springs, where the skills and values he learned there have proven foundational to his success in the Navy.
“Growing up in Richmond with immigrant parents, I learned early on to value and respect different cultures,” Lopez said. “This experience allowed me to adapt easily to the Navy, which brings together people from all walks of life, whether they are from big cities like Chicago and Los Angeles or rural villages in Africa or the Philippines.”
Lopez graduated from Highland Springs High School in 2019 and joined the Navy six years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world while gaining valuable experience,” Lopez said. “Initially, it was because of my friend, who was joining the Navy. It would help him out if I just talked to the recruiter, so I did. I planned to go to college, but I didn’t want to depend on my parents longer than I had to. I called my friend again and got back in touch with a recruiter. I talked to the recruiter on Monday, on Tuesday my dad gave permission, on Wednesday my mom gave permission, and then I was off to MEPS [Military Entrance Processing Station].”
Today, Lopez serves as an air traffic controller assigned to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada.
The air station provides joint and allied nation rotational forces the unique opportunity to train in realistic combat scenarios while employing every element of an air carrier wing. It is the only facility in the world with that ability. The aircraft stationed at NAS Fallon support aircraft carrier missions around the world.
NAS Fallon is host to 21 tenant commands, including the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. As the Navy’s premier tactical air warfare training center, NAWDC is home to multiple weapons training schools, including TOPGUN.
In 1969, TOPGUN was introduced with the mission of reducing casualties of naval aviators sustained during the Vietnam War. Within a year, that goal was reached with the United States having one casualty for every 12 enemy deaths. Since then, TOPGUN has continued to train the finest naval aviators and has inspired two blockbuster movies, one released in 1986 and its sequel released in 2022.
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 warships and sailors, remaining on station in areas of interest without relying on land bases or overflight agreements.
The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets. 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 nation's prosperity is directly linked to recruiting and retaining people to roles in service.
Lopez feels pride from his achievements in the military.
“I am most proud of receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in December 2025 for preventing a potential aviation incident and ensuring the safety of our aircraft,” Lopez said. “It proved that I’m really good at my job. A lot of people get qualified, but not a lot of people get awards for doing the job. Additionally, I take great pride in having mentored several junior sailors who were subsequently selected as Junior Sailor of the Year and earned their advancements. It’s a great feeling, seeing the people you helped out succeed and knowing you were a part of that person’s life.
“Serving in the Navy is about being a role model for my three younger brothers,” Lopez said. “Being the eldest motivates me to continually strive to be my best self.”
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“If I could name everyone from home I want to thank, I would be here for hours,” Lopez said. “However, the most important people in my life are truly my parents, my dad, Melito Lopez, and my mom, Berenice Lopez. From my dad showing me what it means to be a great leader, to my mom, despite the language barrier, always ensuring I got through school and my appointments. I simply wouldn’t be the person I am today without their guidance.”