OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Airman Chenyang Feng, from Reno, Nevada, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Feng graduated from North Valleys High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Reno.
“I restarted my life in Reno when I was 16,” said Feng. “I have learned a lot about the American culture and was well educated in high school, especially as a member of the Junior ROTC program. It helped me understand the keys of leadership and led me into the military.”
Feng joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Feng serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy because the United States welcomed me as an immigrant,” said Feng. “My mom was the first of our family here and then I came in 2019. I chose to serve the country that has given my family so much.”
Feng reflected on what serving in an aviation squadron means to him based on his family’s history.
“During World War II, my family lived in Guilin,” said Feng. “The city was attacked by Japanese bombers, and the American ‘Flying Tigers’ protected them. This is a connection that I have with the American military, so it’s an honor to serve in a U.S. Navy aviation squadron doing my part today.”
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.
Feng 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.”
Feng has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to serve this country as a warrior for freedom and democracy,” said Feng. “This is not a choice that everyone has.”
Feng can take pride in serving America through military service.
“This country accepted me and welcomed me,” said Feng. “This country gave me an education and an opportunity. So, for me, this service is a way of paying back this country.”
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Feng graduated from North Valleys High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Reno.
“I restarted my life in Reno when I was 16,” said Feng. “I have learned a lot about the American culture and was well educated in high school, especially as a member of the Junior ROTC program. It helped me understand the keys of leadership and led me into the military.”
Feng joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Feng serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy because the United States welcomed me as an immigrant,” said Feng. “My mom was the first of our family here and then I came in 2019. I chose to serve the country that has given my family so much.”
Feng reflected on what serving in an aviation squadron means to him based on his family’s history.
“During World War II, my family lived in Guilin,” said Feng. “The city was attacked by Japanese bombers, and the American ‘Flying Tigers’ protected them. This is a connection that I have with the American military, so it’s an honor to serve in a U.S. Navy aviation squadron doing my part today.”
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.
Feng 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.”
Feng has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to serve this country as a warrior for freedom and democracy,” said Feng. “This is not a choice that everyone has.”
Feng can take pride in serving America through military service.
“This country accepted me and welcomed me,” said Feng. “This country gave me an education and an opportunity. So, for me, this service is a way of paying back this country.”