OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Shelbey Reynolds, a native of Fountain Inn, South Carolina wanted to travel, and joining the Navy fulfilled that.
Now, two years after joining the Navy, Reynolds serves with the Cougars of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“Everyone's friendly and welcoming, and they make it feel like I fit in here,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds, a 2017 graduate of Hillcrest High School, is a Personnel Specialist with VAQ-139, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I make sure sailors' pay and administrative issues are resolved and accounted for, making their jobs easier,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Fountain Inn.
“The sense of community growing up in a small town was something I really brought into the Navy with me,” said Reynolds.
VAQ-139'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.
“It's cool how we're able to complete a lot of different missions from regular F/A-18 squadrons.” said Reynolds.
Serving in the Navy means Reynolds 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, Reynolds is most proud of meeting the Vice President of the United States.
“A lot of people don't get to do that on a day to day basis, and the Navy has given me that opportunity,” said Reynolds.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Reynolds 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 has given me a lot of different opportunities, and I've been able to better myself as a person,” said Reynolds.