Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Duvenson Maneau, a native of Fort Pierce, Florida, joined the Navy because his brother was a sailor and he wanted to travel the world like him. Now, 11 years later, Maneau 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.
Maneau is an aircrew survival equipmentman who is responsible for maintaining parachutes, life craft, personal flight gear, search and rescue equipment and other survival gear such as oxygen conversations and regulators.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to mentor junior sailors to be the best that they can be while serving in the Navy,” said Maneau.
Maneau is a 2005 Fort Pierce Westwood High School graduate.
According to Maneau, who moved from Haiti when he was 17, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Pierce.
“I learned how to have a strong work ethic,” said Maneau. “I was not born in the U.S. My dad told me when I landed here that nothing is free and you can become whatever you want to be. I learned English and passed the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to graduate high school.”
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. Maneau is most proud of receiving five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“My first one was after the earthquake hit Haiti,” said Maneau. “I asked my commanding officer if I could go, and they flew me to the USS Carl Vinson and I was able to help translate for the patients from Haiti.”
For Maneau, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Maneau hopes to continue.
“My brother was in the Navy as a boatswain’s mate aboard the USS Wasp,” said Maneau. “Continuing that tradition means I get to protect and serve this great nation and provide freedom. I have three kids and all of them can live in this country and be happy and achieve whatever they want to because of my service.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Maneau, 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 means a lot because it helped me better myself, helped my family and helped me mentor and guide junior sailors to make their lives better,” said Maneau. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve and continue serving in the United States. Hopefully I can do 20 to 30 years, if they let me.”
“My favorite part of my job is being able to mentor junior sailors to be the best that they can be while serving in the Navy,” said Maneau.
Maneau is a 2005 Fort Pierce Westwood High School graduate.
According to Maneau, who moved from Haiti when he was 17, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Pierce.
“I learned how to have a strong work ethic,” said Maneau. “I was not born in the U.S. My dad told me when I landed here that nothing is free and you can become whatever you want to be. I learned English and passed the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test to graduate high school.”
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. Maneau is most proud of receiving five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“My first one was after the earthquake hit Haiti,” said Maneau. “I asked my commanding officer if I could go, and they flew me to the USS Carl Vinson and I was able to help translate for the patients from Haiti.”
For Maneau, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Maneau hopes to continue.
“My brother was in the Navy as a boatswain’s mate aboard the USS Wasp,” said Maneau. “Continuing that tradition means I get to protect and serve this great nation and provide freedom. I have three kids and all of them can live in this country and be happy and achieve whatever they want to because of my service.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Maneau, 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 means a lot because it helped me better myself, helped my family and helped me mentor and guide junior sailors to make their lives better,” said Maneau. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve and continue serving in the United States. Hopefully I can do 20 to 30 years, if they let me.”