Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Alexandra Mugford, a native of Modesto, California, joined the Navy to do something better with her life and push herself out of her comfort zone.
Now, six years later, Mugford 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.
Mugford is an aviation structural mechanic who is responsible for working on structures, breaks, hydraulics, structures and tires of aircrafts.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to take something broken or worn down and restoring it,” said Mugford. “Just seeing that it went from barley working to past fully functional is extremely rewarding because I know I helped complete the mission.”
Mugford is a 2010 Thomas Downey High School graduate.
According to Mugford, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Modesto.
“I learned to be open to new experiences and give everyone you meet the opportunity to introduce themselves instead of having a preconceived notion upon meeting them,” said Mugford.
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. Mugford is most proud of getting promoted quickly and succeeding when she went out of her comfort zone.
“I asked as many questions as I could when people told me to just go with the flow,” said Mugford. “I put in all of my effort until someone told me I needed to go home.”
For Mugford, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Mugford hopes to continue.
“My cousin is in the Marines and grandfather was in the Navy,” said Mugford. “I didn’t know my grandfather well but I am able to have something in common with him without having a conversation.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mugford, 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 means joining a family that has been around for longer than you can imagine and making new families everywhere you go,” said Mugford. “It means having forever friends and creating memories that you never would have had if you did not join. It also means all the possibilities of self and career growth that you never knew were possible.”
Mugford is an aviation structural mechanic who is responsible for working on structures, breaks, hydraulics, structures and tires of aircrafts.
“My favorite part of my job is being able to take something broken or worn down and restoring it,” said Mugford. “Just seeing that it went from barley working to past fully functional is extremely rewarding because I know I helped complete the mission.”
Mugford is a 2010 Thomas Downey High School graduate.
According to Mugford, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Modesto.
“I learned to be open to new experiences and give everyone you meet the opportunity to introduce themselves instead of having a preconceived notion upon meeting them,” said Mugford.
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. Mugford is most proud of getting promoted quickly and succeeding when she went out of her comfort zone.
“I asked as many questions as I could when people told me to just go with the flow,” said Mugford. “I put in all of my effort until someone told me I needed to go home.”
For Mugford, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Mugford hopes to continue.
“My cousin is in the Marines and grandfather was in the Navy,” said Mugford. “I didn’t know my grandfather well but I am able to have something in common with him without having a conversation.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mugford, 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 means joining a family that has been around for longer than you can imagine and making new families everywhere you go,” said Mugford. “It means having forever friends and creating memories that you never would have had if you did not join. It also means all the possibilities of self and career growth that you never knew were possible.”