By Dustin Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Petty Officer 1st Class Shannon Clarett, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, joined the Navy to follow her brother's footsteps into Naval service and take on new challenges.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marc Cuenca |
“Every day is never the same,” said Clarett. "Some days it is slow, some days feels like there are not enough hours in the day. But when it is all said and done, we complete each mission and ensure that we all are safe."
Clarett, a 2002 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, is a yeoman with VAQ 135, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.”
Clarett is also a 2018 graduate of Ohio Christian University with a master's degree in healthcare management and human resource management.
“I’m responsible for administrative duties and managing a central office that is the hub of the command,” said Clarett.
Clarett credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Youngstown.
“My hometown taught me how to work hard, hustle for what I want in life when it comes to the betterment of myself, and how to help others, especially in their time of need,” said Clarett.
VAQ 135'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.
“As an administrative individual, I do not work on the aircraft, but I do get a chance to learn of its capabilities and how it can be utilized when needed,” said Clarett.
Serving in the Navy means Clarett 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, Clarett is most proud of completing a dual master's degree while deployed to Qatar area of responsibility while supporting operation Freedom Sentinel.
“I helped as many individuals as possible to show them that an education is possible in the military, while utilizing your time wisely,” said Clarett. "I try to be the best role model I can for all sailors."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Clarett 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 meeting new people, learning their cultures and backgrounds to make me a more well-rounded individual,” said Clarett. "One day, I will have to retire from the Navy, but I do feel that I am more prepared to deal with situations that may come and be able to understand people better. I'm able to provide the best opportunities for my family and myself for our future."
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, Clarett is most proud of completing a dual master's degree while deployed to Qatar area of responsibility while supporting operation Freedom Sentinel.
“I helped as many individuals as possible to show them that an education is possible in the military, while utilizing your time wisely,” said Clarett. "I try to be the best role model I can for all sailors."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Clarett 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 meeting new people, learning their cultures and backgrounds to make me a more well-rounded individual,” said Clarett. "One day, I will have to retire from the Navy, but I do feel that I am more prepared to deal with situations that may come and be able to understand people better. I'm able to provide the best opportunities for my family and myself for our future."