SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd class Omar Olmos, a native of Fontana, California, was inspired to join the Navy by his family.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“There is a lot of military in my family,” Olmos said.
Now, three years later, Olmos serves with the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, working with one of the Navy’s true workhorse aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
“I like this squadron because I came from a ship and this is more of a close-knit community here,” said Olmos.
Olmos, a 2014 graduate of Summit High School, is an aviation electronics technician with HSC 14, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.
“I repair and maintain computers, radar systems, communication systems, navivation systems, and infrared lasers,” Olmos said. “Our job is very technical.”
Olmos credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Fontana.
“I learned the importance of persistence, organization and being optimistic,” said Olmos.
Now, three years later, Olmos serves with the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, working with one of the Navy’s true workhorse aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
“I like this squadron because I came from a ship and this is more of a close-knit community here,” said Olmos.
Olmos, a 2014 graduate of Summit High School, is an aviation electronics technician with HSC 14, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.
“I repair and maintain computers, radar systems, communication systems, navivation systems, and infrared lasers,” Olmos said. “Our job is very technical.”
Olmos credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Fontana.
“I learned the importance of persistence, organization and being optimistic,” said Olmos.
HSC 14 provides all-weather, combat-ready aircraft and crew to conduct anti-surface warfare, personnel recovery, special warfare support, search and rescue, and logistics for aircraft carrier air wings and navy shore installations. HSC 14 flies the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter, a state-of-the-art design that provides the Navy with true versatility, able to complete a number of mission requirements, according to Navy officials.
The MH-60S with its glass cockpit incorporates active matrix LCD displays, used to facilitate pilot and co-pilot vertical and horizontal situation presentations. Another major design of the MH-60S is a "common cockpit," which is shared with the MH-60R. This allows pilots to shift from one aircraft to another with minimal re-training.
“This aircraft is unique for the number of missions we do, from combat, search and rescue, and resupplying ships,” said Olmos.
Serving in the Navy means Olmos 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.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, 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.
“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, Olmos is most proud of traveling to and working with other countries, such as Australia, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, Mexico, and Chile.
“I get to bring it back to my hometown and share my experiences with everyone,” Olmos said. “It makes me humble and grateful.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Olmos 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 makes me proud to be doing my duty as a U.S. citizen,” said Olmos.