OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Jean-Claude Shuffler, a native of Eagles Landing, Georgia, was inspired to join the military by family.
“After graduating high school I felt misplaced and stuck,” said Shuffler. "My father was in the Army when he was younger and told me about the opportunities in the military, so I decided that I'd take that leap."
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“Life at this command is great,” said Shuffler. "My chain of command has great communication skills and leadership. We get things done, and they definitely show their appreciation.”
Shuffler, a 2014 graduate of Eagles Landing High School, is an aviation maintenance administrationman with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“As a Navy ‘AZ,’ I am responsible for recording and organizing all inspections and maintenance on aircrafts from a F-18 to C-40 depending on what platform I'm assigned to,” said Shuffler.
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138's primary mission is to conduct airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. They deploy aboard aircraft carriers and to airbases around the world to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time. This includes suppression of enemy radar systems, sensor jamming and electronic protection.
The EA-18G “Growler” is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform in production today, according to Navy officials. The Navy invests in advanced “Growler” capabilities to ensure it continues to protect all strike aircraft during high-threat missions for decades to come.
“The EA-18G has lots of unique capabilities,” said Shuffler.
Serving in the Navy means Shuffler is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Shuffler is most proud of becoming a petty officer 2nd class.
“I put on rank after my third try, so I'm very proud of that because I really put in work to learn what I didn't know and it paid off,” said Shuffler.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Shuffler and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy provides a form of stability,” said Shuffler. "It continues to give me opportunities to travel the world and interact with people I would have never thought I'd come across."