OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Michelle Acevedo-Romero, a native of Bloomington, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Acevedo-Romero graduated from Jurupa Hills High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bloomington.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned the importance of hard work and to never give up on the goals I have for my life,” said Acevedo-Romero.
Acevedo-Romero joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Acevedo-Romero serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to better myself and create a different path for myself,” said Acevedo-Romero.
As a fleet replacement squadron (FRS), VAQ-129’s primary mission is to train new aircrew to conduct airborne electronic warfare in the EA-18G Growler. Once complete at the FRS, aircrew will be assigned to squadrons either attached to carrier air wings onboard aircraft carriers or expeditionary squadrons that forward deploy in direct support of Air Force and other Joint assets. Regardless of where they end up, the training they receive at the FRS enables these aircrew to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time.
Built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the EA-18G Growler is both a ground and carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and is the cornerstone of the Joint Force’s Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) mission. Its platform is derived from the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and adds a sophisticated sensor suite that enables the suppression of enemy air defenses along with a variety of other electronic warfare operations.
The Growler has two seats, is over 60 feet long and can weigh up to 66,000 pounds when fully loaded with all missiles and electronic jammers. It can travel at speeds over 1,100 miles per hour, around 1.5 times the speed of sound.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Acevedo-Romero serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Acevedo-Romero has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of earning my current rank of petty officer third class, and I’m already working on my next advancement to petty officer second class,” said Acevedo-Romero.
Acevedo-Romero can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means achieving one of my life goals,” said Acevedo-Romero. “The Navy has given me an opportunity to grow mentally and physically.”
Acevedo-Romero is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Lizeth Acevedo-Zavala,” added Acevedo-Romero. “I appreciate my mother for always supporting me so I could achieve the goals I have in life.”
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Acevedo-Romero graduated from Jurupa Hills High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bloomington.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned the importance of hard work and to never give up on the goals I have for my life,” said Acevedo-Romero.
Acevedo-Romero joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Acevedo-Romero serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to better myself and create a different path for myself,” said Acevedo-Romero.
As a fleet replacement squadron (FRS), VAQ-129’s primary mission is to train new aircrew to conduct airborne electronic warfare in the EA-18G Growler. Once complete at the FRS, aircrew will be assigned to squadrons either attached to carrier air wings onboard aircraft carriers or expeditionary squadrons that forward deploy in direct support of Air Force and other Joint assets. Regardless of where they end up, the training they receive at the FRS enables these aircrew to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time.
Built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the EA-18G Growler is both a ground and carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and is the cornerstone of the Joint Force’s Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) mission. Its platform is derived from the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and adds a sophisticated sensor suite that enables the suppression of enemy air defenses along with a variety of other electronic warfare operations.
The Growler has two seats, is over 60 feet long and can weigh up to 66,000 pounds when fully loaded with all missiles and electronic jammers. It can travel at speeds over 1,100 miles per hour, around 1.5 times the speed of sound.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Acevedo-Romero serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Acevedo-Romero has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of earning my current rank of petty officer third class, and I’m already working on my next advancement to petty officer second class,” said Acevedo-Romero.
Acevedo-Romero can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means achieving one of my life goals,” said Acevedo-Romero. “The Navy has given me an opportunity to grow mentally and physically.”
Acevedo-Romero is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Lizeth Acevedo-Zavala,” added Acevedo-Romero. “I appreciate my mother for always supporting me so I could achieve the goals I have in life.”