OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Esmeralda Perales, a native of Moreno Valley, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
 |
| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Perales graduated from Canyon Springs High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Moreno Valley.
“My hometown taught me to embrace the challenges that come your way because they can make you a better person,” said Perales.
Perales joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Perales serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I joined the Navy because I was interested in exploring different career paths that I knew the military could offer,” said Perales.
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.
Perales 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.”
Perales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of making rank so quickly,” said Perales.
Perales can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Being in the Navy is an honor because I'm proud to serve my country,” said Perales.
Perales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mom, Hilda Jacobo, and my little sister, Nayan Perales, for supporting me along my Navy journey,” added Perales.