OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Summer Blake, a native of Silverdale, Washington, joined the Navy following a family legacy of service.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“The camaraderie of our command is what makes it great,” said Blake. "We have great morale and we are like a family."
Blake, a 2013 graduate of Central Kitsap High School, is an aviation electrician's mate with VAQ 132, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I’m responsible for the repair and troubleshooting of the electrical systems on Navy aircraft,” said Blake.
Blake credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Silverdale.
“My father taught me the importance of being a good person first and foremost,” said Blake. "No matter how important you become it's important to treat people well."
VAQ 132'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.
“We get to work with a lot of foreign nationals,” said Blake. "It's pretty cool to work with a lot of different cultures."
Serving in the Navy means Blake 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, Blake is most proud of traveling the world.
“I never left the country before I joined the Navy and have gotten to do things others will never get to do,” said Blake. "I can't think about what I'd be doing if I didn't join."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Blake 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 a part of something bigger than myself,” said Blake. "I'm making an impact."