By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Daija Mouzon, a native of Durham, North Carolina, joined the Navy the opportunity for higher education and be the first in her family to do it.
Now, two and half years after joining the Navy, Mouzon serves with Commander Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (CVWP), working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“The camaraderie in the office is the best part of serving at this command,” said Mouzon.
Mouzon, a 2016 graduate of JDC Early College High School, is a personnel specialist with CVWP, a command overseeing the Navy’s electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I am responsible for human resources,” said Mouzon.
Mouzon credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Durham.
“My grandmother taught me to always respect others,” said Mouzon. "That's helped me while I've served."
CVWP's primary mission is to man, train, and equip deployable and combat-ready Airborne Electronic Attack forces. Those squadrons deploy with aircraft carriers 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 coolest thing about working at this command is when we award different commands and all the different military coins,” said Mouzon.
Serving in the Navy means Mouzon 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, Mouzon is most proud of having her son.
“The Navy gives you the chance to have a child and gives mothers more time to spend with their children in that critical period,” said Mouzon.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Mouzon 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 means I get to set up a better life for my son,” said Mouzon. "I will have better assets and chances for his future by serving."