By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeremy Hughes, a native of St. Augustine, Florida, joined the Navy to follow a family legacy of military service and see the world.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“The people and the places I've been and people that I've met are the best part of the command,” said Hughes.
Hughes, a 2014 graduate of St. Augustine High School, is an aviation elections mate with VAQ 140, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I’m responsible for the electronics on the Growler,” said Hughes.
Hughes credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in St. Augustine.
“My father taught me that you are always accountable for your actions,” said Hughes. "There are a lot of opportunities in the Navy to succeed or fail, so you have to go about it smartly."
VAQ 140'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 most interesting thing about the Growler is its capabilities,” said Hughes. "It has so much ability to be able to do the missions necessary."
Serving in the Navy means Hughes 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, Hughes is most proud of completing his Navy tour honorably.
“As I prepare to leave service and return home, I am most proud of serving honorably,” said Hughes.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Hughes 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 the ability to pass on the knowledge I've gained and carrying on a legacy of service,” said Hughes. "Five generations of my family have served throughout the military."