OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 1st Class Jesse Underdown, a native of Alto, New Mexico, wanted to do something different with his life.
“I worked a few different jobs after high school that weren't working out for me,” said Underdown. “They were not what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to go to college so I went and talked to a few recruiters. The Navy careers and the traveling is what got me interested.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“Life in VAQ-138 is fast paced,” said Underdown. “We travel constantly and always have a lot of major work to accomplish. My squadron works well together and always produces the highest quality product.”
Underdown, a 2004 graduate of Capitan High School, is an Aviation Structural Mechanic with VAQ-138, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“As a Navy "AM", I maintain aircraft airframe and structural components flight surfaces and controls hydraulic and pneumatic control and actuating systems and mechanisms, landing gear systems and fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials.,” said Underdown.
Underdown credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Alto.
“My hometown taught me the value of hard work,” said Underdown. I took that lesson with me and apply it everyday while serving.”
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 gives us a capability that no other Navy has, which is to control the electronic aspect of any engagement,” said Underdown.
Serving in the Navy means Underdown 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, Underdown is most proud of advancing to E-6, earning the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“I am proud of earning my MOVSM because it took a lot of off duty volunteer hours that directly impacted the community in a positive way,” said Underdown.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Underdown 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 gives me a great sense of pride knowing that I am serving and protecting my country,” said Underdown. “The Navy also allows me to travel. Something I never would of been able to do. I have been all over the world and experienced things I only saw on tv. The Navy also led me to my amazing wife who has given me my two handsome sons. I'll be able to retire in my early 40s and spend a lot of time with my still young kids.”