SAN DIEGO – Cmdr. Anthony R. Perez, a native of San Diego, was inspired to join the Navy by growing up in a military community.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
“I definitely grew up with a lot of Navy around, so it was an easy transition,” Perez said. “I always loved flying.”
Now, 18 years later, Perez 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.
“This squadron is amazing," said Perez. "It’s like a family.”
Now, 18 years later, Perez 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.
“This squadron is amazing," said Perez. "It’s like a family.”
Perez, a 1993 graduate of Monte Vista High School, is the executive officer of HSC 14, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopter.
“As the executive officer, I'm in charge of the health and welfare of over 260 sailors,” said Perez.
Perez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in San Diego.
“I learned to be humble and to never take anything for granted,” said Perez.
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.
“I’m a legacy pilot,” Perez said. “The Sierra is definitely upgraded with updated sensors and upgraded weapons capability. It’s a very capble aircraft for any mission set that we would conduct.”
Serving in the Navy means Perez 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, Perez is most proud of being selected for command of an operation squadron.
“Growing up in the Navy I never thought of myself as being able to get to his point,” Perez said. “When I was selected it was very humbling to me because it’s a great opportunity to lead sailors in this command.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Perez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“I’m serving a purpose bigger than myself,” added Perez.