OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Randy Cieleszko, a native of Eliot, Maine, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Cieleszko graduated from Marshwood High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Eliot.
“My parents taught me to obey without complaining,” said Cieleszko. “My lifestyle taught me to be self-sufficient. My experiences taught me to ignore what doesn’t matter.”
Cieleszko joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Cieleszko serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy on an impulse,” said Cieleszko. “I was walking past a recruiting station every day for work. One day, I went in, took the ASVAB and was flattered by the recruiters until I joined. It was contrary to my normal way, but it was the best stupid thing I’ve ever done.”
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.
Cieleszko 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.”
Cieleszko has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud every day that I get to put on this uniform,” said Cieleszko. “One moment in my career that I remember was when I was with the minesweeper helicopter command that found the Chinese weather balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach in 2023.”
Cieleszko can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I enjoy my service and appreciate the support I get from my leaders and others in my command,” said Cieleszko.
Cieleszko is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my folks, Sherrill and Edward, for always supporting me,” added Cieleszko. “Their pride in me is one of the main reasons I stayed in this long, especially during the challenging times.”
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Cieleszko graduated from Marshwood High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Eliot.
“My parents taught me to obey without complaining,” said Cieleszko. “My lifestyle taught me to be self-sufficient. My experiences taught me to ignore what doesn’t matter.”
Cieleszko joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Cieleszko serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy on an impulse,” said Cieleszko. “I was walking past a recruiting station every day for work. One day, I went in, took the ASVAB and was flattered by the recruiters until I joined. It was contrary to my normal way, but it was the best stupid thing I’ve ever done.”
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.
Cieleszko 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.”
Cieleszko has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud every day that I get to put on this uniform,” said Cieleszko. “One moment in my career that I remember was when I was with the minesweeper helicopter command that found the Chinese weather balloon off the coast of Myrtle Beach in 2023.”
Cieleszko can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I enjoy my service and appreciate the support I get from my leaders and others in my command,” said Cieleszko.
Cieleszko is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my folks, Sherrill and Edward, for always supporting me,” added Cieleszko. “Their pride in me is one of the main reasons I stayed in this long, especially during the challenging times.”