Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Lt. William Gritton, a native of Burkburnett, Texas, joined the Navy to have work experience. Now, 21 years later, Gritton serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
Gritton is a chaplain who is responsible for providing religious services to various sailors assigned to the base and working with stress counseling.
“My favorite part about the job is giving hope to those who currently feel hopeless,” said Gritton.
Gritton is a 1989 Potomac High School graduate. He also graduated from Thomas Edison State University in 2007.
According to Gritton, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Burkburnett.
“I learned the never give up work ethic,” said Gritton .
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.
Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed.
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. Gritton is most proud of the suicidal interventions he has worked with.
“I had a couple of incidents where I talked the weapon out of the suicidal sailors' hands,” said Gritton. “I have probably saved the lives of six to 10 sailors.”
For Gritton, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Gritton hopes to continue.
“My dad served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Vet, I was an Air Force brat and I wanted to do something different,” said Gritton. “It is a family tradition of service. It is part of giving back to the country that has given us so much.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gritton, 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.
“The Navy has given me an opportunity to travel the world,” said Gritton. “I have been to 26 countries and Israel was my favorite. We had the opportunity to teach disaster response to the Jordanian military. We were ambassadors for the United States and could show the goodwill of the American people to people around the world.”
“My favorite part about the job is giving hope to those who currently feel hopeless,” said Gritton.
Gritton is a 1989 Potomac High School graduate. He also graduated from Thomas Edison State University in 2007.
According to Gritton, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Burkburnett.
“I learned the never give up work ethic,” said Gritton .
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.
Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed.
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. Gritton is most proud of the suicidal interventions he has worked with.
“I had a couple of incidents where I talked the weapon out of the suicidal sailors' hands,” said Gritton. “I have probably saved the lives of six to 10 sailors.”
For Gritton, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Gritton hopes to continue.
“My dad served in the Air Force and was a Vietnam Vet, I was an Air Force brat and I wanted to do something different,” said Gritton. “It is a family tradition of service. It is part of giving back to the country that has given us so much.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gritton, 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.
“The Navy has given me an opportunity to travel the world,” said Gritton. “I have been to 26 countries and Israel was my favorite. We had the opportunity to teach disaster response to the Jordanian military. We were ambassadors for the United States and could show the goodwill of the American people to people around the world.”