Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Petty Officer 2nd Class Traci Jorgensen is a part of a Naval legacy. Jorgensen is an aviation ordnanceman who is responsible for handling the missiles and torpedoes on the helicopters and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“My favorite part about my job is that I am close with my coworkers,” said Jorgensen. “It is very family oriented, and I am very close with everyone I work with.”
Jorgensen is a 2014 Stephenville High School graduate and native of Beaumont, Texas.
According to Jorgensen, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Beaumont.
“Being in a small town you definitely have to branch out because if not you are going to get stuck doing the same thing,” said Jorgensen. “So I learned to branch out, move and try new things.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.
The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.
HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Jorgensen is most proud of getting promoted in such a short amount of time because it is uncommon to make petty officer second class within four years of serving in the Navy.
“I definitely studied a lot and got really involved in my job,” said Jorgensen. “I learned everything I possibly could because it looked good on my evaluations and helped me to score high on my advancement exam.”
For Jorgensen, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Jorgensen hopes to continue.
“My stepmom is a reservist in the Air Force,” said Jorgensen. “It is a cool thing to have other people in the family serve as well. It would be cool to continue on the tradition because it is a big portion of my family’s life because we are all a part of it. I wouldn’t mind my son joining the military if he wanted to.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jorgensen, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy taught me a lot,” said Jorgensen. “It has taught me to grow up as an individual and has given me more respect for the people I work with. I am proud of what we do out here because not everyone can serve in the military.”
Jorgensen is a 2014 Stephenville High School graduate and native of Beaumont, Texas.
According to Jorgensen, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Beaumont.
“Being in a small town you definitely have to branch out because if not you are going to get stuck doing the same thing,” said Jorgensen. “So I learned to branch out, move and try new things.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.
The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.
HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Jorgensen is most proud of getting promoted in such a short amount of time because it is uncommon to make petty officer second class within four years of serving in the Navy.
“I definitely studied a lot and got really involved in my job,” said Jorgensen. “I learned everything I possibly could because it looked good on my evaluations and helped me to score high on my advancement exam.”
For Jorgensen, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Jorgensen hopes to continue.
“My stepmom is a reservist in the Air Force,” said Jorgensen. “It is a cool thing to have other people in the family serve as well. It would be cool to continue on the tradition because it is a big portion of my family’s life because we are all a part of it. I wouldn’t mind my son joining the military if he wanted to.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jorgensen, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy taught me a lot,” said Jorgensen. “It has taught me to grow up as an individual and has given me more respect for the people I work with. I am proud of what we do out here because not everyone can serve in the military.”