OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Bandlow, a native of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Bandlow graduated from Oak Creek High School in 2005.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oak Creek.
“I grew up playing various organized sports where I learned the value of discipline, having a strong work ethic and how to be a team player,” said Bandlow. “Those lessons have helped me complete whatever tasks are for the day and various missions while on deployment or detachment.”
Bandlow joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Bandlow serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to see different parts of the world,” said Bandlow. “I also wanted to learn a career field and serve my country.”
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.
Bandlow 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.”
Bandlow has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of achieving the rank of petty officer first class because it means I can retire,” said Bandlow. “I’m also proud of getting my engine turn operator license on the C-130T aircraft because it’s a difficult qualification to get, especially being a full-time reservist.”
Bandlow can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose in my life and is something my family and I can be proud of,” added Bandlow.