OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Taffari Gordon, a native of Lake Worth, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Gordon graduated from Park Vista High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lake Worth.
“Growing up, I learned that it’s important to never give up,” said Gordon. “Times may be hard, but it will get better.”
Gordon joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Gordon serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy looking for other opportunities,” said Gordon. “I knew I was not mature enough at the time to go straight to college. My uncle was in the military, and after talking with him, he took me to the recruiter’s office. I also have a lot of other family members in the military, so I’m continuing their tradition of military service.”
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.
Gordon 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.”
Gordon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving on a Navy ship was a big accomplishment for me, especially since I’m currently assigned to a naval aviation squadron,” said Gordon. “I completed our deployment aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, last year.”
Gordon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I’m not just working to earn a paycheck, I’m working to help others and to defend my country,” said Gordon. “It’s an honor to serve while gaining an opportunity to better my life.”
Gordon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Andrea, for helping me through tough situations and always having my back,” added Gordon. “I’d also like to thank my Uncle Devon for leading me the right way and helping me join the Navy. I appreciate my Aunt Dawnetta for always being in my corner and my Aunt Cheryl for always being supportive.”
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Gordon graduated from Park Vista High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lake Worth.
“Growing up, I learned that it’s important to never give up,” said Gordon. “Times may be hard, but it will get better.”
Gordon joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Gordon serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy looking for other opportunities,” said Gordon. “I knew I was not mature enough at the time to go straight to college. My uncle was in the military, and after talking with him, he took me to the recruiter’s office. I also have a lot of other family members in the military, so I’m continuing their tradition of military service.”
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.
Gordon 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.”
Gordon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving on a Navy ship was a big accomplishment for me, especially since I’m currently assigned to a naval aviation squadron,” said Gordon. “I completed our deployment aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, last year.”
Gordon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I’m not just working to earn a paycheck, I’m working to help others and to defend my country,” said Gordon. “It’s an honor to serve while gaining an opportunity to better my life.”
Gordon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Andrea, for helping me through tough situations and always having my back,” added Gordon. “I’d also like to thank my Uncle Devon for leading me the right way and helping me join the Navy. I appreciate my Aunt Dawnetta for always being in my corner and my Aunt Cheryl for always being supportive.”