Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the newest Maritime Strike Squadron, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lillian Rodriguez is continuing a tradition while also creating a new legacy. Rodriguez is serving with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 which supports the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
“I enjoy working with tools and repairing aircraft,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is a 2010 Hatch Valley High School graduate and native of Hatch, New Mexico.
According to Rodriguez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hatch.
“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Rodriguez. "I also learned to always go for your goals."
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations. Sailors assigned to HSM-78 participate in these operations, along with anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface weapons systems missions.
The helicopter squadron’s mascot is a blue hawk, which is symbolic of the dominance, versatility and lethality Seahawk helicopters have in combat.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “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.”
HSM-78 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.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Rodriguez is most proud of earning honor recruit during bootcamp in 2019.
“I worked out, studied hard and tried my best,” said Rodriguez.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rodriguez, 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 serve our country,” said Rodriguez. "If it were easy anybody could do it, so there's some pride in what we do."
Rodriguez is a 2010 Hatch Valley High School graduate and native of Hatch, New Mexico.
According to Rodriguez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hatch.
“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Rodriguez. "I also learned to always go for your goals."
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations. Sailors assigned to HSM-78 participate in these operations, along with anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface weapons systems missions.
The helicopter squadron’s mascot is a blue hawk, which is symbolic of the dominance, versatility and lethality Seahawk helicopters have in combat.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “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.”
HSM-78 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.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Rodriguez is most proud of earning honor recruit during bootcamp in 2019.
“I worked out, studied hard and tried my best,” said Rodriguez.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Rodriguez, 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 serve our country,” said Rodriguez. "If it were easy anybody could do it, so there's some pride in what we do."