OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Madeline Ortiz, a native of Newark, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Ortiz graduated from North 13th Street High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Newark.
“I've learned in life to treat others with respect and understanding because you don't know what a person is going through,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Ortiz serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I wanted to prove to myself and to others I could do it,” said Ortiz. "I didn't want to live with the regret of not going into the service."
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.
Ortiz 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.”
Ortiz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm most proud of receiving awards during two deployments,” said Ortiz. "During my deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman we did a lot of flight operations, and I earned a flag letter of commendation (FLOC). During my second deployment, also aboard Truman, I earned another FLOC."
Ortiz can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy shows my daughter that she will always be protected and have an extended family,” said Ortiz.
Ortiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my mom, Bethzaida Ocasio,” added Ortiz. "I want to thank her for believing in me and giving me a chance to serve in the military."