By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Seaman Kirssie Guaba, a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, wanted to make a difference and take advantage of the Navy's education benefits.
Now, two years after joining the Navy, Guaba serves with Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (CVWP), working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
“Life at this command is very good,” said Guaba. “Everyone works together and takes care of each other, and it's like a family here.”
Guaba, a 2016 graduate of Lake Worth, is a yeoman with CVWP, a high-tech electronic attack wing capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
“I keep the administrative aspects of the command flowing,” said Guaba. “I make sure correspondence is written corectly, and ensure the commander signs correct documents pertinent to the mission.”
Guaba credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in West Palm Beach.
“I learned the value of not giving up when I was growing up, and that has helped me in the Navy,” said Guaba.
CVWP's primary mission is to oversee electronic attack squadrons conducting airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. They deploy aboard aircraft carriers and to airbases around the world 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 make sure the squadron's manning is good to go,” said Guaba. “The cool thing about these aircraft is that they all work together to complete big missions.”
Serving in the Navy means Guaba 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, Guaba is most proud of being awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
“I was working over travel arrangements for the entire command, and also overseeing a $1.5 million budget,” said Guaba. “We were able to get our pilots trained, and I was recognized for all of my hard work.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Guaba and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“When I think about serving in the Navy, I think about the significance of me volunteering to be here so others can be safe at home,” said Guaba. “It's very important to me, especially because I get to keep my baby sister safe.”