SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class Garrett Shaffer, a native of Apollo, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Shaffer graduated from Kiski Area High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Apollo.
“Growing up in a small farming town taught me to work hard and take pride in my work,” Shaffer said. “You never want to be known as the guy that doesn’t work, so taking pride in what you do is important. I want to be trustworthy and seen as good at my job. I was also in the ski patrol before the Navy so I have always had an urge to help others.”
Shaffer joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Shaffer serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition of military service,” Shaffer said. "My grandparents, aunts and uncles all served in the military."
Members of HSM-41 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Shaffer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of earning my Aircrew Wings,” Shaffer said. "I am proud of that because I had to go through two years of training to earn them.”
Shaffer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride because I know I am helping others,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Lorie and James Shaffer, for raising me right, supporting me and pushing me to be who I am today,” Shaffer added. “I also want to thank all my family and friends for being there for me.”