Fallon native defends America through use of unmanned systems

A 2006 Churchill County High School graduate and Fallon native is serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves as part of Space and Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

Petty Officer 1st Class Jaymes Wilke is an U.S. Navy reservist electronics technician supporting SPAWAR’s Unmanned Maritime Vehicle (UMV) Lab.

According to Navy officials, SPAWAR develops, delivers and sustains communications and information capabilities for warfighters, keeping them connected at all times.

As an electronics technician, Wilke is responsible for unmanned vehicle maintenance and data collection during daily operations, military exercises and real-world events. His knowledge of unmanned systems helps refine and effectively operate the state-of-the-art technology for a variety of mission sets.

“My job keeps me on my toes,” said Wilke. “My favorite part is supporting exercises on land or at sea. The experiences I have had are simply unmatched.”

The men and women who make up SPAWAR provide hardware and software needed to execute Navy missions around the world. The team consists of more than 10,000 active duty military and civil service professionals that keep SPAWAR at the forefront of research, engineering and acquisition to provide and sustain fleet capabilities that keep forces connected around the globe.

The SPAWAR reserve program is supported by a diverse, high-performing team of more than 380 reserve Sailors who are geographically dispersed amongst 18 units located in fleet concentration areas, space facilities, high-tech centers and SPAWAR centers of excellence.

Wilke also said he is proud to be a part of the command that helps protect America from cyber threats around the world and continuously works to innovate through the use of new technology.

“Being able to serve with a team of dedicated Sailors and civilians is one of the best parts of working with a reserve unit in San Diego,” said Wilke. “Sometimes people forget about the huge threat to cybersecurity and how important information warfare proficiency, as a whole, is to our nation. I am proud to be part of this defense.”

Established in 1985, SPAWAR works to improve the cyber warfighting capability and enhances technology on surface ships, aircraft and submarines.

“The Navy is a team of over a hundred thousand dedicated Americans, uniformed and civilian, moving with a single purpose to help our Navy be ready to compete and win every day,” said Rear Adm. Christian ‘Boris’ Becker, commander, SPAWAR. “SPAWAR is a critical part of that team. Our mission is to provide the means necessary for our Navy to compete and win, from the seabed to space, and that’s what we do, every day, around the globe. Our charge is to carry out that plan, innovate the fleet and continue supporting the warfighter.”

As a member of a command with multiple responsibilities, Wilke, along with other information warfare Sailors and civilians, work hard to earn the trust defending their country through the world’s most advanced information warfare community, according to Navy officials.

“Serving in the Navy has allowed me to mature as a person,” added Wilke. “Being able to serve such a prestigious command and mission, allows me to build a legacy to be proud of.”