OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 1st Class Forrest Sledge, a native of Stonewall, Texas, joined the Navy for the opportunities provided.
Now, eight years after joining the Navy, Sledge serves with the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“The best part about serving here is the locations we get to travel to,” said Sledge.
Sledge, a 2005 graduate of home school, is an aviation machinist mate with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“My job is helping sailors navigate major career goals while performing maintenance and upkeep on navy aircraft,” said Sledge.
Sledge credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Stonewall.
“My dad teaches me lessons every day,” said Sledge. "He feeds me advice and that has helped me in my service."
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129's primary mission is to train sailors to conduct airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. They will 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.
“Working on these planes is literally seeing the defense of American freedom,” said Sledge.
Serving in the Navy means Sledge 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, Sledge is most proud of watching sailors who are co-workers succeed in their job.
“When you empower others to succeed, they become better and reflects well on everyone around them,” said Sledge.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Sledge 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 is an opportunity to set up fellow sailors for success in their future,” said Sledge.
Now, eight years after joining the Navy, Sledge serves with the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“The best part about serving here is the locations we get to travel to,” said Sledge.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“My job is helping sailors navigate major career goals while performing maintenance and upkeep on navy aircraft,” said Sledge.
Sledge credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Stonewall.
“My dad teaches me lessons every day,” said Sledge. "He feeds me advice and that has helped me in my service."
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129's primary mission is to train sailors to conduct airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. They will 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.
“Working on these planes is literally seeing the defense of American freedom,” said Sledge.
Serving in the Navy means Sledge 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, Sledge is most proud of watching sailors who are co-workers succeed in their job.
“When you empower others to succeed, they become better and reflects well on everyone around them,” said Sledge.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Sledge 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 is an opportunity to set up fellow sailors for success in their future,” said Sledge.