OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Aviators in the U.S. Navy fly some of the most technologically-advanced aircraft in modern history. The driving force behind keeping naval aviators safely in the air are the maintainers on the ground making repairs and ensuring the aircraft are mission-ready.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Petty Officer 1st Class Marla Baker, a native of Chesterland, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Baker graduated from West Geauga High School in 1998. Additionally, Baker attended East Carolina University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chesterland.
“Coming from a small town instilled a sense of trust and belonging in me,” said Baker. “This taught me to show my peers I am loyal and they can rely on me when they are in need of assistance. The community is tight-knit, and everyone works together to pull off functions. This gave me leadership and teamwork skills that I have used throughout my time in the Navy. Every one of my shipmates is part of my Navy family, and we can’t accomplish our jobs without each other, so we have to look out for each other.”
Baker joined the Navy 19 years ago. Today, Baker serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I was in Army ROTC while in college and I wanted to join the military,” said Baker. “After 9/11 happened, I felt the need to serve my country immediately. The Navy had the best job opportunities and the fastest entrance process. After speaking to several friends who were in the Navy, I felt it was a better fit for me than the Army. The places that deployments would take me made it the most intriguing.”
FRCNW is the premier intermediate maintenance activity of the Pacific Northwest. With more than 1,000 sailors, civilian and contractor personnel, FRCNW provides intermediate and more sophisticated depot-level repair of more than 12,500 different aviation components. Repair services are provided for jet engines, airframes, avionics, armament, aviation life support systems, ejection seats and more than 2,300 pieces of support equipment directly supporting 22 local and deployed squadrons, 10 aircraft carriers, three overseas operational sites and numerous Pacific Northwest Regional commands and activities.
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.
Baker 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.”
Baker has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to have served in the last F-14 Tomcat squadron VF-31 before they were permanently decommissioned,” said Baker. “It was epic to be part of an era that generated a legacy. I am also incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country, forward-deployed in Japan on America’s flagship aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. I was named Senior Sailor of the Year 2023 while stationed aboard.”
Baker can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has provided me a wonderful life,” said Baker. “I have been all around the world, to places I would have never had the opportunity to visit. I met my husband, Jason, in the Navy and have served side-by-side with him while raising our boys. They have had experiences other kids their age will never experience.”
Baker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my husband, Jason, for being supportive,” added Baker.