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.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Barron Sluder, a native of Manteo, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Sluder graduated from Manteo High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manteo.
“I grew up on the water for my whole childhood into my teenage years,” said Sluder. "It was such an easy transition to serving aboard ships in the Navy because of how familiar it was."
Sluder joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Sluder serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy to ensure that my wife and boys will be taken care of while giving myself much-needed structure,” said Sluder. "Also, my grandfather served in the Navy during World War II aboard a destroyer."
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.
Sluder 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.”
Sluder has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being named Junior Sailor of the Year aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, in 2021,” said Sluder. "I'm also proud of the fantastic sailors I've had the privilege to train and watch grow."
Sluder can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means so much to me,” said Sluder. "It gives me purpose beyond my family, and I'm proud to defend my country."
Sluder is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Troy and Claudia, for their love and support,” added Sluder. "Of course, I want to thank my wife, Savannah, for always being there for me. She always has my back."