Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 C. Milton Wright High School graduate and Bel Air, Maryland, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. j.g. Kaitlyn Gallagher is a Navy pilot serving with the Fleet Angels, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Knighthawk” helicopter.
A Navy pilot is responsible for understanding and operating the MH-60S while getting qualified to become a helicopter aircraft commander.
Gallagher credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bel Air.
“I grew up playing sports in my hometown where I was taught all about hard work,” said Gallagher. “It’s important to keep your head down and finish what you started.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Gallagher is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Gallagher is most proud of earning naval aviation wings.
“It was the coolest thing,” said Gallagher. “My uncle was a search and rescue pilot for the Coast Guard. I always looked up to him. It was a life dream realized. All the hard work I had done had come to fruition.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gallagher, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gallagher is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers were in WWII, one in the Army and one in the Navy,” said Gallagher. “I wanted to do it because my family did it and I looked up to them. They were trying to protect their family and friends.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Gallagher and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy isn't just a job but something I love and enjoy doing,” added Gallagher. “Having the ability to be in the military is cool but being trusted with the aircraft and flying is an honor. Regardless of rank everyone understands they are a cog in the wheel for the greater picture.”
A Navy pilot is responsible for understanding and operating the MH-60S while getting qualified to become a helicopter aircraft commander.
Gallagher credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Bel Air.
“I grew up playing sports in my hometown where I was taught all about hard work,” said Gallagher. “It’s important to keep your head down and finish what you started.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Gallagher is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Gallagher is most proud of earning naval aviation wings.
“It was the coolest thing,” said Gallagher. “My uncle was a search and rescue pilot for the Coast Guard. I always looked up to him. It was a life dream realized. All the hard work I had done had come to fruition.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gallagher, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gallagher is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Both of my grandfathers were in WWII, one in the Army and one in the Navy,” said Gallagher. “I wanted to do it because my family did it and I looked up to them. They were trying to protect their family and friends.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Gallagher and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy isn't just a job but something I love and enjoy doing,” added Gallagher. “Having the ability to be in the military is cool but being trusted with the aircraft and flying is an honor. Regardless of rank everyone understands they are a cog in the wheel for the greater picture.”