OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Diane Taylor, a native of Temecula, California, joined the Navy for the opportunity to travel and higher education.
Now, four years after joining the Navy, Taylor serves with the "Cougars" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“This command is like a family,” said Taylor. "They take care of their people."
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“I am responsible for the ejection seats and environmental systems on Naval aircraft,” said Taylor.
Taylor credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Temecula.
“In the Navy, we are exposed to a lot of different people, and growing up in Temecula prepared me for that environment,” said Taylor.
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139'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.
“Everything you are working on is millions of dollars and that's pretty cool,” said Taylor.
Serving in the Navy means Taylor 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, Taylor is most proud of the experience that Navy gained.
“I think when you get to travel around the world you get to visit so many countries and experience so many culture it changes the way you see things,” said Taylor.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Taylor and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy gave me the opportunity to utilize the right tools and resources and learn to not be afraid to take risk,” said Taylor. "The Navy taught me how important adaptability."