Schaumburg native uses technology to help keep Navy flying

A 1998 Conant High School graduate and Schaumburg native is serving with a U.S. Navy electronic attack squadron that flies one of the Navy's newest and most technologically-advanced aircraft, the EA-18G Growler.

Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Julseth is an aviation electrician's mate with the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, one of 14 Navy electronic attack squadrons based in Whidbey Island, Washington.

As an aviation electrician's mate, Julseth is responsible for electrical power distribution, lighting and certain cockpit indications for the EA-18G aircraft.

"I enjoy troubleshooting difficult aircraft discrepancies where we have to break into the schematics rather than just the manual," said Julseth.

Taking off from and landing on Navy aircraft carriers, as well as supporting expeditionary land-based operations around the world, Growler crew members engage in electronic warfare, one of the most important components of modern air combat, according to Navy sources.

The EA-18G Growler has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, complete with advanced receivers, jamming pods and satellite communications. The electronic warfare mission involves jamming enemy radar and communications systems to render air defenses ineffective.

"I'm proud of the work we do for America and the rest of the world," said Julseth. "The sacrifice is a bit of a pain but the cause is much greater."

As a member of one of the Navy's squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Julseth and other VAQ-135 sailors are proud to be part of a war fighting team that readily defends America at all times.

"We're in the war-fighting business, and we're here to win," said Capt. Tabb Stringer, Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "We operate the most advanced and capable electronic attack aircraft in the world, and our sailors are the most highly trained, innovative, and critical thinking teammates I have ever worked with."

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.

Serving in the Navy, Julseth is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and citizen.

"This has become more than just a job," added Julseth. "People are alive and breathing because of the work we do. It's honorable work."