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 1st Class Hayden Dusablon, a native of Oak Harbor, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Dusablon graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oak Harbor.
“Growing up in a military town taught me that family can be chosen by the people you meet everywhere you go in life,” said Dusablon.
Dusablon joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Dusablon serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country and have a career,” said Dusablon. “I grew up in a Navy town and both my grandpa and uncle served in the military. My uncle was in the Navy and my grandpa was in the Air Force.”
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.
Dusablon 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.”
Dusablon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being a mentor and guide to junior sailors,” said Dusablon. “I share my stories in the hopes they learn from my successes and failures to better themselves for their careers.”
Dusablon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I serve to make a better future for my children than I had growing up,” said Dusablon.
Dusablon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Rae and Robert Clemmer, for making me grow up,” added Dusablon.