By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 1st Class Omar Yacsavilca, a native of Everett, Massachusetts, joined the Navy because of his father's military service and a desire to live a military life.
Now, 14 years after joining the Navy, Yacsavilca serves with the "Rooks" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“Right now we are very busy while we prepare the command for a loaded schedule,” said Yacsavilca. "Things can get a bit stressful, but having a solid group of sailors that are so reliable and responsible, smoothes out the process."
Yacsavilca, a 2003 graduate of Pope John XXIII Regional High School, is a personnel specialist with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I’m responsible for helping personnel with information related to their benefits, pay records, travel entitlements, along with providing resources for them and their families to deal with problems and hardships,” said Yacsavilca.
Yacsavilca credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Everett.
“My hometown taught me the benefits of being part of a diverse group of people,” said Yacsavilca. "Growing up with a mix of cultures and backgrounds prepared me to work with people who have different points of view."
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139's primary mission is to conduct airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. They 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 Growler is very under-appreciated by the average citizen, even though it's such an essential part of modern air combat,” said Yacsavilca.
Serving in the Navy means Yacsavilca 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, Yacsavilca is most proud of earning meritorious advancement to first class petty officer.
“I'm very proud of it mostly because I know the group of sailors I was being compared to were extremely competitive,” said Yacsavilca. "It took a lot of hard work and determination from each of us to be considered for this."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Yacsavilca 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 being able to be part of the team that provides protection to our country,” said Yacsavilca. "Knowing that our home is safe, means that all of our families and loved ones are safe."