Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Petty Officer 1st Class Shannon Clarett, a Youngstown native, joined the Navy to follow her brother’s footsteps.

Now, 17 years after joining, Clarett serves with the “Black Ravens” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135, working with the Navy’s premier electronic attack aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.

“Every day is never the same,” Clarett said. “Some days it is slow, some days feel like there are not enough hours in the day. But when it is all said and done, we complete each mission and ensure that we all are safe.”

Clarett, a 2002 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, is a yeoman with VAQ 135, a high-tech electronic attack squadron capable of altering the outcome of any engagement with the EA-18G “Growler.” She is also a 2018 graduate of Ohio Christian University with a master’s degree in health care management and human resource management.

Clarett said she is responsible for administrative duties and managing a central office that is the hub of the command. She credits success in the Navy to many lessons learned in Youngstown.

“My hometown taught me how to work hard, hustle for what I want in life when it comes to the betterment of myself, and how to help others, especially in their time of need,” she said.

VAQ 135’s primary mission is to conduct airborne electronic warfare while embarked with a carrier air wing. It deploys with aircraft carriers to project electronic attack dominance anywhere in the world at any time. This includes suppression of enemy radar systems, sensor jamming and electronic protection.

The EA-18G “Growler” is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform in production today, according to Navy officials. The Navy invests in advanced “Growler” capabilities to ensure it continues to protect all strike aircraft during high-threat missions for decades to come.

“As an administrative individual, I do not work on the aircraft, but I do get a chance to learn of its capabilities and how it can be utilized when needed,” Clarett said.

According to Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, the service branch’s priorities center on the people’s capabilities and processes and will be achieved by focusing on speed, value, results and partnerships.

Clarett said she is most proud of completing a dual master’s degree while deployed to the Qatar area of responsibility.

“I helped as many individuals as possible to show them that an education is possible in the military, while utilizing your time wisely,” Clarett said. “I try to be the best role model I can for all sailors.

“Serving in the Navy means meeting new people, learning their cultures and backgrounds to make me a more well-rounded individual,” she said. “One day, I will have to retire from the Navy, but I do feel that I am more prepared to deal with situations that may come and be able to understand people better. I’m able to provide the best opportunities for my family and myself for our future.”