by Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
OAK HARBOR, Wash. – A 2009 Mount Abram Regional High School graduate and Strong, Maine, native is serving with Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), also known as the”Zappers.”
Petty Officer 3rd Class Corey Tripp is an aviation electrician’s mate with VAQ-130, a Whidbey Island-based squadron that operates the Navy’s newly-designed electronic warfare aircraft, the EA-18G Growler. Each aircraft has two seats, is over 60 feet long, may weigh up to 66,000 lbs. (max gross) and can travel over 1,100 miles per hour and nearly 2,070 miles on a tank of gas.
As a 23 year old with numerous responsibilities, Tripp said he is learning about himself as a leader, sailor and a person.
“This squadron has helped me become a harder worker and has helped me become more outgoing,” said Tripp.
Tripp is proud of the work he is doing as part of the squadron’s 174-member military team, who protect America on the world’s oceans.
“The crew is a pretty relaxed and laid back group of people,” Tripp said. “They are helpful, knowledgeable, and easy to work with.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied with VAQ-130. Approximately 32 officers and 142 enlisted men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining aircraft 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 Cmdr. Eric Illston, VAQ-130’s commanding officer. “Our team is filled with hardworking and highly qualified professionals who hold uncommon levels of responsibility and accountability in support of our mission: To win in combat with trained aircrew and combat ready aircraft whenever called upon to support and defend the Constitution of the United States through the military element of power. Their work ethic, commitment, enthusiasm, and esprit de corps are second to none!”
The EA-18G Growler is the fourth major variant of the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. Built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the Growler is the first newly-designed electronic warfare aircraft produced in more than 35 years. The aircraft also retains all of the F/A-18E/F’s multi-mission capabilities with its validated design and the capability to perform a wide range of enemy defense suppression missions.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s newest electronic warfare aircraft platforms, Tripp and other VAQ-130 sailors are proud to part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“This is a fun job, and its pretty easy work,” said Tripp.
Great job, Corey! I am so proud of you! Thank you for your service!
So very proud of you son. Thank you for your choice to serve our country and protect the rights we all have. You have come along way in your life and will continue to grow. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished in the last three years.
So very proud of you Corey. Thank you for your service to the country we all love.
Thank you for having the courage to defend our freedom.
Awesome Corey! Good to hear you are doing well.
Best wishes PO3 Tripp… Obviously your parents are proud of you and rightfully so….Thank you… and this will be a part of you life you will also be proud of for the rest of your life..
Way to go Corey! What an opportunity to see the world and make a difference. Keep up the good work.