JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Cmdr. Robert Benedict, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, serves as the commanding officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Hanchar |
Benedict graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in 2003. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2007 with a degree in systems engineering and earned a master’s degree from John Hopkins University in 2015.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Harrisburg.
“From my scout troop and from schooling, I learned the value of teamwork and leadership,” Benedict said.
Benedict joined the Navy 18 years ago.
“My grandfather was a pilot during World War II, and I grew up with an appreciation for the importance of naval aviation,” Benedict said. "Also, there were members of my scout troop with family members who went to the Naval Academy. I knew I wanted to fly and chose the Navy because I felt like it offered more options."
Members of HSM-74 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.
Benedict has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Each time I've had the responsibility of leading a team, I've been proud of how that group of sailors succeeded in their mission,” Benedict said. "Our last deployment was nine months from October 2023 to July 2024. Our squadron was aboard the USS Eisenhower in the Red Sea, responsible for protecting the strike group and shipping in the area. We earned a Combat Action Ribbon for our participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian."
Operation Prosperity Guardian was announced by the U.S. Department of Defense following the escalation of Houthi attacks originating from Yemen that threatened the free flow of commerce, endangered mariners and violated international law.
Benedict 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 provides an awesome chance to lead,” Benedict said. "Watching sailors succeed is very rewarding. It's an honor to be part of an organization that is filled with professionals who hold ourselves accountable."
Benedict is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Christine, and our son, William, for their everlasting patience and support, especially while I'm deployed,” Benedict said. "I also want to thank my parents, John and Lou Ann, for their love and support. They provided an excellent example while I was growing up of the value of determination and the importance of caring for others. I want to send a shoutout to my brothers, Chip and Luke, for the example that they set in their lives for their families."