NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Dalton Ricca, a native of Santa Fe, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Santa Fe.
"Santa Fe taught me that a solid work ethic can get you anywhere," Ricca said. "The blue-collar work I did before joining the Navy really helped shape me. I learned how to work hard for whatever I wanted. I was a plumber before the Navy, and my first boss instilled that work ethic in me, which I've carried over into my Navy career."
Ricca joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Ricca serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
"I wanted to serve my country, and my uncle served in the Navy during Vietnam," Ricca said. "I joined the U.S. Navy to honor my family and serve my country."
Members of HSC-5 fly and maintain the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter within Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7). The MH-60S's primary missions are Search and Rescue, Naval Special Warfare Support and Anti-Surface Warfare. Additional missions include logistic support, vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, non-combatant evacuation operations and maritime interdiction operations. In short, HSC-5 "Rescues, Protects and Delivers!"
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.
Ricca has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Achieving Petty Officer 2nd Class on my first attempt is my proudest accomplishment," Ricca said. "It’s also a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my Navy career."
Ricca serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"I joined to serve my country—patriotism," Ricca said. "Serving in the U.S. Navy means being able to protect my fellow shipmates and my loved ones back home."
Ricca is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"I want to thank my mom and dad and my uncle for raising me into the man I am today. Ricca said. “They instilled the work ethic I carry with me every day."