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.
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| Photo by Ashley Craig |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Davidson, a native of San Antonio, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRCNW), aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
Davidson graduated from Earl Warren High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Antonio.
“Growing up, my dad showed me that there is always a way to get the job done and done right, even when you don’t know anything about it,” said Davidson. “I have had great success so far by continuing with the work ethic he instilled in me.”
Davidson joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Davidson serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to get out and see the world while gaining new skills,” said Davidson. “I wanted to go to Australia but COVID happened and Australia wouldn’t let us make a port call. However, I did get to go to Japan and that was pretty great.”
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.
Davidson 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.”
Davidson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of advancing to the rank of petty officer second class,” said Davidson. “I worked really hard and overcame the struggle to get here. I bounced between commands before getting here and that made it hard to take the steps I needed to further my career. However, once I found my footing here, I was able to make advancements and move forward.”
Davidson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means taking pride in this country and working hard to better myself,” said Davidson.
Davidson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family for their support,” added Davidson.