SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Evan Brammer, a native of South Bend, Indiana, wanted to join an organization greater than himself with an honorable cause.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown |
"It's doing something I can be proud of with people I respect and admire,” Brammer said.
Now, four years later, Brammer 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.
Now, four years later, Brammer 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.
“The squadron is always changing," Brammer said. "The first years we're in a training environment. Now that I'm a qualified pilot it sometimes feels like a day job and other days it feels like an action movie.”
Brammer, a 2011 graduate of Mishawaka Marian High School, is a pilot 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'm responsible for executing missions successfully and safely,” said Brammer.
Brammer credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in South Bend.
“I learned you're always your greatest critic and no one cares about your future more than yourself," Brammer said. "It's easy to feel overwhelmed, but by staying focused and positive you can accomplish pretty amazing things.”
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.
“Helicopters are a pretty wild aircraft to fly especially in the beginning," Brammer said. "Learning the basics took quite a bit of effort, but the reward and pay off felt more significant in a helicopter versus an airplane.”
Serving in the Navy means Brammer 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, Brammer is most proud of earning his wings as a pilot.
“I was able to show my family a physical representation of my achievements," Brammer said. "It gives me pride to wear that on my uniform and for my family to see my military experience for the first time.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Brammer and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving has given me the opportunity to make myself a better man and make my nation a better country,” said Brammer.