SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Richmond Baluyot, a native of Los Angeles, joined the Navy to see the world and continue a family tradition.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“I wanted to see the world,” said Baluyot, “and make a better life for myself.”
Now, nine years later, Baluyot serves with the Scorpions of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 49, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
“So far since I've been here, it's been good to me. The missions we do are really interesting,” said Baluyot.
Baluyot, a 2006 graduate of James Monroe High School, is an aircrew survival equipmentman with a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopter.
“I take care of my sailors and make sure all our flight gear is inspection ready so that all our pilots and aircrew get home safe after every flight,” said Baluyot.
Baluyot credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Los Angeles.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of adaptability," said Baluyot. "Adapting to different cultures and change has helped me a lot.”
Now, nine years later, Baluyot serves with the Scorpions of Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 49, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
“So far since I've been here, it's been good to me. The missions we do are really interesting,” said Baluyot.
Baluyot, a 2006 graduate of James Monroe High School, is an aircrew survival equipmentman with a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopter.
“I take care of my sailors and make sure all our flight gear is inspection ready so that all our pilots and aircrew get home safe after every flight,” said Baluyot.
Baluyot credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Los Angeles.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of adaptability," said Baluyot. "Adapting to different cultures and change has helped me a lot.”
HSM 49's primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments as an expeditionary unit. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the Navy's new primary maritime dominance helicopter. Greatly enhanced over its predecessors, the MH-60R helicopter features a glass cockpit and significant mission system improvements, which give it unmatched capability as an airborne multi-mission naval platform.
As the U.S. Navy's next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R "Romeo" is the cornerstone of the Navy's Helicopter Concept of Operations. Anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare are the MH-60R's primary missions. Secondary missions include search and rescue, medical evacuation, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, communications relay, command, control, communications, command and control warfare and non-combat operations.
Serving in the Navy means Baluyot is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
America is a maritime nation, and 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.
“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, Baluyot is most proud of seeing his sailors advance and being able to obtain his bachelor's degree.
“The Navy put me through school and provides me with a way to provide for my family,” said Baluyot.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Baluyot and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means a sense of pride and accomplishment and professionalism,” said Baluyot. “We get to go on the ship and travel. I get to go places I haven't been yet.”