OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 1st Class Chayse Skinner, a native of Auburn, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Skinner graduated from Auburn Mountainview High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Auburn.
“Participating in diverse activities in high school like theater and band allowed me to grow as a leader and individual,” said Skinner.
Skinner joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Skinner serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities and to gain job experience,” said Skinner. "I also wanted to better my future and set myself up for success."
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.
Skinner 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.”
Skinner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far in the Navy such as plane captain, corrosion specialist, environmental coordinator, airframer and painter,” said Skinner. "However, I'm most proud of the leadership opportunities I've had which allow me to mentor others."
Skinner can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means self-sacrifice,” said Skinner. "It also means bettering yourself and those around you."
Skinner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, along with the rest of my family, for their support,” added Skinner. "Of course, I also want to thank my wife and daughter for their support in my career."