WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - A 2006 Jefferson City High School graduate and Jefferson City native is serving with a U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron that flies the Navy's newest and most technologically-advanced aircraft, the EA-18G Growler.
Petty Officer 1st Class Bethany Loya is an aviation ordnanceman attached to Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, supporting the 14 Navy electronic attack squadrons based in Whidbey Island, Washington.
As an aviation ordnanceman, Loya is responsible for weapons instruction in the Navy.
"I enjoy the camaraderie of the ordnance community and training the fleet," Loya said.
Taking off from and landing on Navy aircraft carriers as well as supporting expeditionary land-based operations around the world, the Growlers and their crews engage in electronic warfare, one of the most important components of modern air combat, according to Navy sources. The electronic warfare mission involves jamming enemy radar and communications systems in order to render air defenses ineffective.
To accomplish these tasks, the Growler has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, complete with advanced receivers, jamming pods and satellite communications.
"The Growler is a newer aircraft," Loya said. "It's up and coming and has a lot of potential for electronic attack."
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy's squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Loya said she and other sailors in the electonics warfare wing are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
"I work with the Growler weapons school house," Loya said. "We're a small command, so we're more family oriented."
Sailors' jobs are highly varied at the wing, according to Navy officials. Approximately 65 officers, 400 enlisted men and women, and 110 civilian contractors make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly. This includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.
"Every day I feel an extraordinary amount of pride to serve alongside our great nation's most inspiring men and women," said Capt. Scott Farr, Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Our team is filled with hardworking and highly qualified professionals who hold uncommon levels of responsibility and accountability in support of our mission: to maintain, fly, and fight the Growler around the world. Their work ethic, commitment, enthusiasm, and esprit de corps are second to none!"
Serving in the Navy, Loya is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and citizen through handling numerous responsibilities.
"In the Navy I've learned that you get back what you put in," Loya said. "It's not just handed to you. You need to work hard for success."