NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Rivera, a native of Medellin, Colombia, supports versatile missions while serving at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.
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Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terah Bryant, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Rivera joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Rivera serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“When my family moved to the United States in my last year of high school, I looked into joining the United States Armed Forces,” said Rivera. ”I knew that I wanted to work with my hands and work on aircraft. The Navy provided me that opportunity to work, to better myself and to hone my skills as a mechanic.”
Rivera attended Alcazazres High School and graduated in 2014.
Skills and values similar to those found in Medellin are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I come from a place that's very different from here,” said Rivera. "I learned there to be humble and respectful, especially with senior leaders."
These lessons have helped Rivera while serving with the Navy.
Members of HSC 2 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. In general, some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
As a member of the Navy, Rivera is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Most of the earth is water,” said Rivera. “The Navy protects the seas and projects power all over the world to protect the United States and its allies “
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Rivera and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“During a 2018 deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman, I earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for assisting in the rescue of a sailor in the water,” said Rivera. "I directed the helicopter when taking off from the aircraft carrier and landing on it after the rescue."
As Rivera and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving int the Navy means responsibility, commitment and sacrifice,” said Rivera. "There's a lot you sacrifice in order to be here and the Navy teaches you to be responsible in all aspects of your life."
Rivera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my parents,” added Rivera. "Their effort to get me a good education has been key to my success in the Navy."