OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Lt. Cmdr. Michael Flanigan, a native of Halstead, Kansas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Flanigan graduated from Halstead High School in 2005. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Halstead.
“Growing up, I learned that if you want something, you have to work hard for it,” said Flanigan.
Flanigan joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Flanigan serves as a pilot and maintenance officer for the squadron.
“I like the challenge of flying off an aircraft carrier,” said Flanigan.
VAQ-142 deploys with aircraft carriers to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time.
The EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and the cornerstone of the naval Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) mission. Its platform is derived from the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and adds a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that enables it to suppress enemy air defenses as well as electronic attack 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.
Flanigan 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.”
Flanigan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of my time as a flight instructor from 2018 to 2020,” said Flanigan. “Teaching young students how to land on a moving ship was very rewarding. Seeing them grow from their first attempt through their final trap was pretty moving.”
Flanigan can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means doing something that’s bigger than yourself,” said Flanigan. “I do this for friends and family. It’s an honor to play a small part in keeping them safe.”
Flanigan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Ms. Stockebrand,” added Flanigan. “She was my teacher and served as a good mentor to me when I was in high school. She gave me a lot of direction that helped point me down the right path. Of course, I want to thank my wife, Erin, for everything. There are not enough words to thank her for being an amazing military spouse and all the challenges that come with that role. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Flanigan graduated from Halstead High School in 2005. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Halstead.
“Growing up, I learned that if you want something, you have to work hard for it,” said Flanigan.
Flanigan joined the Navy 14 years ago. Today, Flanigan serves as a pilot and maintenance officer for the squadron.
“I like the challenge of flying off an aircraft carrier,” said Flanigan.
VAQ-142 deploys with aircraft carriers to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time.
The EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and the cornerstone of the naval Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) mission. Its platform is derived from the combat-proven F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and adds a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that enables it to suppress enemy air defenses as well as electronic attack 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.
Flanigan 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.”
Flanigan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of my time as a flight instructor from 2018 to 2020,” said Flanigan. “Teaching young students how to land on a moving ship was very rewarding. Seeing them grow from their first attempt through their final trap was pretty moving.”
Flanigan can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means doing something that’s bigger than yourself,” said Flanigan. “I do this for friends and family. It’s an honor to play a small part in keeping them safe.”
Flanigan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Ms. Stockebrand,” added Flanigan. “She was my teacher and served as a good mentor to me when I was in high school. She gave me a lot of direction that helped point me down the right path. Of course, I want to thank my wife, Erin, for everything. There are not enough words to thank her for being an amazing military spouse and all the challenges that come with that role. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”