OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Airman Hector Bahenaortiz, a native of Norcross, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Bahenaortiz graduated from Mountain View High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norcross.
“From my hometown, I learned to appreciate the effort put into hard work,” said Bahenaortiz. “I also learned to never complain because it could always be worse.”
Bahenaortiz joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Bahenaortiz serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to start my own path in life,” said Bahenaortiz.
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.
Bahenaortiz 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.”
Bahenaortiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of the great group of people I serve with knowing that I can fall back on who I love and care about,” said Bahenaortiz.
Bahenaortiz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I’m grateful to serve in the Navy where I can learn necessary life skills,” said Bahenaortiz.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Bahenaortiz graduated from Mountain View High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Norcross.
“From my hometown, I learned to appreciate the effort put into hard work,” said Bahenaortiz. “I also learned to never complain because it could always be worse.”
Bahenaortiz joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Bahenaortiz serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to start my own path in life,” said Bahenaortiz.
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.
Bahenaortiz 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.”
Bahenaortiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of the great group of people I serve with knowing that I can fall back on who I love and care about,” said Bahenaortiz.
Bahenaortiz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I’m grateful to serve in the Navy where I can learn necessary life skills,” said Bahenaortiz.