OAK HARBOR, Wash. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Alice Ortegon, 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 Ashley Craig |
Ortegon graduated from South High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pueblo.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me the importance of having goals, the hard work that is required to reach them and to never give up,” said Ortegon. “As a leader, I am able to assist junior sailors in doing so as well.”
Ortegon joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Ortegon serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“My grandfather served in the Vietnam War and I wanted to carry on that tradition of military service while being able to see the world and provide for my family,” said Ortegon. “My grandfather served in the Army. He advised me to look at what the other branches were about before making a decision.”
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.
Ortegon 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.”
Ortegon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to help junior sailors become better leaders of the world while accomplishing their goals,” said Ortegon. “It’s very rewarding to be able to give that extra guidance that some kids just don’t have nowadays.”
Ortegon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is everything to me,” said Ortegon. “It gives me the ability to protect my loved ones while also being part of something bigger than myself.”
Ortegon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mother, Lynette Valdez,” added Ortegon. “She was my biggest supporter when I made the decision to join the military. She hasn’t let me stop since.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pueblo.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me the importance of having goals, the hard work that is required to reach them and to never give up,” said Ortegon. “As a leader, I am able to assist junior sailors in doing so as well.”
Ortegon joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Ortegon serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“My grandfather served in the Vietnam War and I wanted to carry on that tradition of military service while being able to see the world and provide for my family,” said Ortegon. “My grandfather served in the Army. He advised me to look at what the other branches were about before making a decision.”
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.
Ortegon 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.”
Ortegon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of being able to help junior sailors become better leaders of the world while accomplishing their goals,” said Ortegon. “It’s very rewarding to be able to give that extra guidance that some kids just don’t have nowadays.”
Ortegon can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is everything to me,” said Ortegon. “It gives me the ability to protect my loved ones while also being part of something bigger than myself.”
Ortegon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I want to thank my mother, Lynette Valdez,” added Ortegon. “She was my biggest supporter when I made the decision to join the military. She hasn’t let me stop since.”