OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Music, a native of Douglas, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Music graduated from Coffee High School in 2017.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Douglas.
“My Papa Wes always told me that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if you are working for the lord,” said Music. "That has stuck with me my entire career and has given me a strong work ethic which has helped me to succeed in the Navy."
Music joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Music serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I joined the Navy to follow my family's legacy of service,” said Music. "Every generation of my family has served in every war since the revolution."
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.
Music 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.”
Music has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud that I get to serve in a life support role,” said Music. "I take great pride in knowing that I am the pilot's lifeline in an emergency."
Music can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is the ultimate form of patriotism,” said Music. "We all willingly volunteer to go into harm's way to defend our families and way of life."
Music is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, India Newton, my meemee, Tammy Brown, papa, Wes Brown, and my grandma, Mary White,” added Music. "Thanks for raising me right and putting me on the right path."