OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 1st Class Michaela Leyba, a native of Pueblo, Colorado, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
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| Photo by Alvin Plexico |
Leyba graduated from Pueblo County High School in 2011. Additionally, Leyba is working toward an associate degree in general studies through American Military University and is expected to finish next year.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pueblo.
“Growing up, I always had a loving, supportive family and I learned how important that support was even if it didn’t come from blood relatives,” said Leyba. “This helped me form bonds and friendships over the years that have lasted through tough times. No matter how hard the day gets, it’s good to have someone cheering you on and defending you when you aren’t in the room.”
Leyba joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Leyba serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy because staying home in Colorado seemed like the safe option,” said Leyba. “I wanted to see the world and learn who I could be without the safety net of my family and the comfort of my corner of the world. I picked the Navy because I figured I was going to be close to the water if it was the Navy and I would be able to see the water. The Navy also had more tradition and I liked that a lot about it.”
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.
Leyba 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.”
Leyba has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Through the years I found that helping others achieve their goals is really rewarding,” said Leyba. “Helping someone through a difficult time and just being there can make all the difference as a leader and I’m proud of who I am growing to be. I always try to be a good example, especially if it’s someone new so they can start on the right path.”
Leyba can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means the world to me,” said Leyba. “I feel like I am setting a good example for my younger cousins and I feel like I make a difference in people’s lives every day, even if it’s just showing support or assisting refugees to a safer place. Either way, I get the chance to make the choice to help those around me.”
Leyba is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my family for being supportive,” added Leyba. “I feel like I’m missing out on so much with my family, but they encourage me to keep doing what I’m doing to make a difference and set an example. I don’t think I’d be able to keep going without their support.”