Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Petty Officer 2nd Class Brooklyn Shaw is part of a Naval legacy. Shaw is an aviation machinist’s mate responsible for working on the helicopter engines as part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“I'm a hands-on person, so I like being involved with the engine work,” said Shaw "Heavy lifting and hard work makes me stronger.”
Shaw is a 2015 Foothill High School graduate and native of Henderson, Nevada.
According to Shaw, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Henderson.
“There is always room for growth,” said Shaw. "You can think that you have mastered something, but there is always more knowledge to discover."
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. Shaw is most proud of completing the 2018-2019 deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis.
“We went to five different ports: Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Bahrain and France,” said Shaw.
For Shaw, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Shaw hopes to continue.
“My dad and uncle served,” said Shaw. “It makes me proud knowing that my dad also served in the Navy, even though his role was completely different than mine, since he was a hospital corpsman.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Shaw, 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.
“I'm grateful that I've grown as a person,” said Shaw. "The Navy has pushed me to be the person I am today. I've learned about different cultures and discovered how resilient I really am."
Shaw is a 2015 Foothill High School graduate and native of Henderson, Nevada.
According to Shaw, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Henderson.
“There is always room for growth,” said Shaw. "You can think that you have mastered something, but there is always more knowledge to discover."
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. Shaw is most proud of completing the 2018-2019 deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis.
“We went to five different ports: Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Bahrain and France,” said Shaw.
For Shaw, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Shaw hopes to continue.
“My dad and uncle served,” said Shaw. “It makes me proud knowing that my dad also served in the Navy, even though his role was completely different than mine, since he was a hospital corpsman.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Shaw, 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.
“I'm grateful that I've grown as a person,” said Shaw. "The Navy has pushed me to be the person I am today. I've learned about different cultures and discovered how resilient I really am."