Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2011 Crystal River High graduate and Crystal River, Florida, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Mehrl is a Navy information systems technician 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 information systems technician is responsible for maintaining Navy computer networks and servers.
Mehrl credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Crystal River.
“It's hot in Florida. I was in Kuwait, and it helped me deal with the extreme heat,” said Mehrl.
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.
Mehrl 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, Mehrl is most proud of advancing to second class petty officer
“I changed my Navy job from another skill set to be an information systems technician, and was able to advance in the new field,” said Mehrl.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Mehrl, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Mehrl is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“The entire male side of my family have military service," said Mehrl. "My dad and grandfather were both Navy chiefs. My wife is a yeoman in the Navy, as well.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Mehrl and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a family tradition and it provides stability," added Mehrl. "All the while I’m really proud of what I do here.”
A Navy information systems technician is responsible for maintaining Navy computer networks and servers.
Mehrl credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Crystal River.
“It's hot in Florida. I was in Kuwait, and it helped me deal with the extreme heat,” said Mehrl.
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.
Mehrl 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, Mehrl is most proud of advancing to second class petty officer
“I changed my Navy job from another skill set to be an information systems technician, and was able to advance in the new field,” said Mehrl.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Mehrl, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Mehrl is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“The entire male side of my family have military service," said Mehrl. "My dad and grandfather were both Navy chiefs. My wife is a yeoman in the Navy, as well.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Mehrl and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a family tradition and it provides stability," added Mehrl. "All the while I’m really proud of what I do here.”