OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 1st Class James Daniels, a native of Dallas, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Daniels graduated from W.T. White High School in 2010. Additionally, Daniels earned an associate in history from American Military University in 2019 and is working to finish a bachelor’s degree in history at Oregon State University in the fall.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dallas.
“Where I grew up in Dallas was a cultural melting pot, so that made my career choice of joining the Navy very easy,” said Daniels. “Being accepting of everyone and respecting everyone is a lesson I carry with me daily. Also, my brother, Joseph Daniels, told me before I left, ‘Show them what Texas is like,’ and I have taken that work ethic into the Navy.”
Daniels joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Daniels serves as an aviation electrician’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to make my mark on history, big or small, and to create a solid base for starting a family,” said Daniels. “My grandfather, Russell Logan, created the conopulse radar system in 1959. They used that in the P-3 Orion, so some of the early stories from him were Navy-related and that drove my interest in the Navy as well. I also wanted to be in avionics.”
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.
Daniels 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.”
Daniels has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of completing three deployments, one on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and two on USS Harry S. Truman,” said Daniels. “The deployments gave me great memories and allowed me to travel the world. My favorite detachment was to Brest, France, and the Landivisiau Naval Air Base where I got to teach French sailors about the capabilities of the EA-18G aircraft, and vice-versa with their Super-Etendard.”
Daniels can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Being in the Navy means serving with honor through tough nights and days away from a family that loves you,” said Daniels. “It also means executing the mission bestowed upon you by the American people in places that need our aid.”
Daniels is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my family for their support from home,” added Daniels. “I also want to thank my spouse, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Peyton Daniels, for all of her support over the years. She’s stayed steadfast for myself and our family through long deployments.”