Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Petty Officer 3rd Class Mason Gonzalez is a part of a Naval legacy. Gonzalez is an aviation electrician’s mate who is responsible for troubleshooting and fixing electronic components on the MH-60 Romeo and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“I like my job because I am always learning new stuff,” said Gonzalez. “There is always something evolving and changing and there is always something new.”
Gonzalez is a 2014 North Harden High School graduate and native of Radcliff, Kentucky.
According to Gonzalez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Radcliff.
“I learned responsibility and respectfulness,” said Gonzalez. “My dad was in the military for 24 years so I grew up always taking care of myself and being places on time. I grew up with everything instilled in me and it transferred into the military as well.”
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. Gonzalez is most proud of being awarded honors at boot camp because he was in the top one percent of his class.
“It is awarded based on test scores, physical fitness scores and a recommendation from the drill instructors,” said Gonzalez.
For Gonzalez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Gonzalez hopes to continue.
“My dad and grandfather served,” said Gonzalez. “It means a lot because my grandfather was in WWII and my dad was in Desert Storm. They put it all on the line there and I am just continuing what they started.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gonzalez, 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 is just a way for me to give back to my country,” said Gonzalez. “I am young, I am healthy, and there is no reason I shouldn’t be able to serve my country.”
Gonzalez is a 2014 North Harden High School graduate and native of Radcliff, Kentucky.
According to Gonzalez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Radcliff.
“I learned responsibility and respectfulness,” said Gonzalez. “My dad was in the military for 24 years so I grew up always taking care of myself and being places on time. I grew up with everything instilled in me and it transferred into the military as well.”
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. Gonzalez is most proud of being awarded honors at boot camp because he was in the top one percent of his class.
“It is awarded based on test scores, physical fitness scores and a recommendation from the drill instructors,” said Gonzalez.
For Gonzalez, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Gonzalez hopes to continue.
“My dad and grandfather served,” said Gonzalez. “It means a lot because my grandfather was in WWII and my dad was in Desert Storm. They put it all on the line there and I am just continuing what they started.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gonzalez, 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 is just a way for me to give back to my country,” said Gonzalez. “I am young, I am healthy, and there is no reason I shouldn’t be able to serve my country.”