Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Madeline Sanchez, a native of Houston joined the Navy because her uncle was in the Army for 10 years and she wanted to do something in the military as well.
Now, two years later, Sanchez 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.
Sanchez is an aviation electronics technician who is responsible for troubleshooting issues on helicopters to make them flyable.
“I like going out to the line, reading connections and being able to troubleshoot problems,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez is a 2015 Hastings High School graduate.
According to Sanchez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned to make coworkers my friends because I work with them all the time,” said Sanchez. “I am so far away from home it is important because it is the only thing I have."
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. Sanchez is most proud of earning her enlisted aviation warfare qualifications.
“I studied a lot, had to take multiple tests and went through boards to earn them,” said Sanchez.
For Sanchez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Sanchez hopes to continue.
“My uncle served,” said Sanchez. “It opens up the eyes of my family members who don’t want to go to college and don’t want to have a boring job. My little brother has been thinking about it since I joined.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Sanchez, 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 helping out everyone around you,” said Sanchez. “It is a team effort, because you can’t do everything by yourself. It makes you be a team and one big family.”
Sanchez is an aviation electronics technician who is responsible for troubleshooting issues on helicopters to make them flyable.
“I like going out to the line, reading connections and being able to troubleshoot problems,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez is a 2015 Hastings High School graduate.
According to Sanchez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I learned to make coworkers my friends because I work with them all the time,” said Sanchez. “I am so far away from home it is important because it is the only thing I have."
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. Sanchez is most proud of earning her enlisted aviation warfare qualifications.
“I studied a lot, had to take multiple tests and went through boards to earn them,” said Sanchez.
For Sanchez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Sanchez hopes to continue.
“My uncle served,” said Sanchez. “It opens up the eyes of my family members who don’t want to go to college and don’t want to have a boring job. My little brother has been thinking about it since I joined.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Sanchez, 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 helping out everyone around you,” said Sanchez. “It is a team effort, because you can’t do everything by yourself. It makes you be a team and one big family.”