By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Gaige Sheen, a native of Nampa, Idaho, knew he wanted to join he Navy from a young age.
“When I was growing up I had always wanted to join the military, and the Navy looked like the best option for me, especially the education benefits,” said Sheen.
Now, six years after joining the Navy, Sheen serves with the Yellow Jackets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“There's a lot of work for me, especially taking care of my sailors and checking their work, but it's well worth it,” said Sheen. “Deployments for us also aren't terribly stressful.”
Sheen, a 2014 graduate of Skyview High School, is an aviation electrician's mate with VAQ 138, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I work on electrical components of the aircraft, like wiring, lighting and flight control systems,” said Sheen. “I'm also the leading petty officer of the electrician's shop at the squadron.”
Sheen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Nampa.
“The way I was raised has helped me out in the Navy,” said Sheen. “The Navy itself is like a big family, and being able to work together is great for me. Everyone's looking out for each other.”
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 electronic attack capability is very unique,” said Sheen. “Our aircraft are there to protect everyone else, and that's very rewarding.”
Serving in the Navy means Sheen 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, Sheen is most proud of becoming a plane captain for F-35s at his last command and earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“Not a lot of people can say that they've been qualified to work on the F-35 yet, so being one of the first people in the Navy to do so makes me proud,” said Sheen.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Sheen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
Now, six years after joining the Navy, Sheen serves with the Yellow Jackets of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“There's a lot of work for me, especially taking care of my sailors and checking their work, but it's well worth it,” said Sheen. “Deployments for us also aren't terribly stressful.”
Sheen, a 2014 graduate of Skyview High School, is an aviation electrician's mate with VAQ 138, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I work on electrical components of the aircraft, like wiring, lighting and flight control systems,” said Sheen. “I'm also the leading petty officer of the electrician's shop at the squadron.”
Sheen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Nampa.
“The way I was raised has helped me out in the Navy,” said Sheen. “The Navy itself is like a big family, and being able to work together is great for me. Everyone's looking out for each other.”
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 electronic attack capability is very unique,” said Sheen. “Our aircraft are there to protect everyone else, and that's very rewarding.”
Serving in the Navy means Sheen 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, Sheen is most proud of becoming a plane captain for F-35s at his last command and earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“Not a lot of people can say that they've been qualified to work on the F-35 yet, so being one of the first people in the Navy to do so makes me proud,” said Sheen.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Sheen and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Being in the Navy has made me a better leader and person,” said Sheen. “I can leave here better than when I started, and that's a great feeling.”