Thursday, February 6, 2020

Gainesville Native Serves with Helicopter Squadron in San Diego

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Karem Mohamedbahgat, a native of Gainesville, Georgia, joined the Navy to do something that added purpose to his life.

"My mentor in high school encouraged me to consider the military,” said Mohamedbahgat. “My parents are immigrants, so I felt like I have a debt that must be repaid."

Mohamedbahgat currently 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.

Mohamedbahgat is an aircrew survival equipmentman who is responsible for maintaining life support equipment for the aircrew.

“I enjoy working on life support equipment, because I know that what I do could save someone's life,” said Mohamedbahgat.

Mohamedbahgat is a 2017 Riverside Military Academy graduate.

According to Mohamedbahgat, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gainesville.

“I learned the importance of discipline and military bearing,” said Mohamedbahgat. "When I was in bootcamp I already knew about many of the initial lessons they were teaching us."

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. Mohamedbahgat is most proud of earning promotion to his current rank.

“I appreciate the additional responsibility knowing that not only am I responsible for my own training, but that I will also be able to help others learn what they need to know,” said Mohamedbahgat.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mohamedbahgat, 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. 

“It's an honor to give back to this country that has done so much for my family." said Mohamedbahgat. "The freedoms we have here need to be defended, and I'm grateful to be a part of that.”