OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Elaine Flowers, a native of Ottawa, Illinois, followed family into the military.
“All of my siblings were in the military, and I wanted to continue the tradition,” Flowers said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“Life is busy in the squadron, and very high-pace,” said Flowers. “The people are awesome here, and the leadership is incredible to help us in our careers. The travel opportunities are also great.”
Flowers, a 2013 graduate of Ottawa High School, is an aviation structural mechanic with VAQ 132, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I orginally worked on helicopters, but I transitioned to the EA-18G here,” said Flowers. “I work on structural systems, managing corosion, etc.”
Flowers credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Ottawa.
“I played soccer in high school, and that taught me a lot of discipline and hard work ethic, as well as leadership,” said Flowers. “These are all important in the Navy.”
VAQ 132'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 fast-pace that is involved with working on EA-18Gs is a cool experience,” said Flowers. “Everyone has to work together to get them fixed and in the air.”
Serving in the Navy means Flowers 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, Flowers is most proud of going to college and supporting herself.
“Even though my job gives me a great set of skills I'm still able to get an even higher education,” said Flowers. “I also have always wanted to support myself while I travel the world.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Flowers 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 getting to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Flowers. “To give time, energy and effort into being a part of protecting our country. The Navy is all about leaving something better than when you found it, and that has been a great value to me.”