OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Airman Apprentice Devin Bush, a native of Appling, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Bush graduated from Greenbrier High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Appling.
“Growing up, I learned to keep a positive attitude toward work and to have respect, no matter how stressed I was,” said Bush. “When you’re stressed out at your job because there’s a lot going on, keeping a positive attitude can help you stay focused. You have to remember to just keep going.”
Bush joined the Navy nine months ago. Today, Bush serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to learn more about aviation and to expand my knowledge about military history,” said Bush. “I’ve always had a passion for aircraft. I want to be a pilot when I get out of the Navy.”
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 aircrews 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.
Bush 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.”
Bush has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is working in the airframes shop and being able to maintain naval aircraft,” said Bush.
Bush can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me as I’m able to contribute to America’s naval forces and keep America free,” said Bush.
Bush is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and brother, my cousins and my family,” added Bush. “The letters they sent me when I was in boot camp kept me going when I felt like giving up.”