By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Chief Petty Officer Jeffery Kimsey, a native of Weatherford, Texas, joined the Navy seeing the success his father had in the Navy and to set himself up for success and carreer.
Now, nearly 16 years after joining the Navy, Kimsey serves with the "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“I've only been at this command for four months, but I know that everyone here are good people,” said Kimsey. "From the people you work with to your chain of command."
Kimsey, a 1993 graduate of Weatherford High School, is an aviation ordnanceman with VAQ 138, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“My job is training and mentoring junior sailors,” said Kimsey.
Kimsey credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Weatherford.
“Between my parents and sports I learned that working hard creates the reward,” said Kimsey. "It's how I lived throughout the Navy which has helped me be more successful."
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138'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.
“Working with Growlers is different for me because I came from a different background,” said Kimsey. "So there's always new challenges."
Serving in the Navy means Kimsey 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, Kimsey is most proud of earning the rank of chief petty officer.
“I didn't plan on being in the Navy this long, but I started making rank so quickly and saw it as an oppurunity to have a good career,” said Kimsey. "It's definitely provided welll for my family."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Kimsey 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 gives me a lot of sense of pride,” said Kimsey. "Making chief renewed my dedication and pride of the rich history of the Navy."