Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Ensign Jonathan Crockett is part of a Naval legacy. Crockett is an intelligence officer responsible for analyzing information and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“I tell the good guys what the bad guys are up to,” said Crockett
Crockett is a 2011 Deep Run High School graduate and native of Richmond, Virginia. He also graduated from James Madison University in 2015 with a degree in finance.
According to Crockett, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Richmond.
“Growing up I learned the importance of an analytical mindset,” said Crockett. "I also grew up in a military household where I learned that good order and discipline in the household can lead to good order and discipline in the military."
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. Crockett is most proud of deploying aboard USS John C. Stennis, where he met the ship in Bahrain and rode it to Norfolk, Virginia.
“I was proud to complete a successful deployment early in my career,” said Crockett.
For Crockett, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Crockett hopes to continue.
“My brother is in the Navy, both my grandparents were in the Navy and three uncles served in the Navy,” said Crockett. “It's an honor to carry on the tradition and live the experiences similar to what they lived through.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Crockett, 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 a very important mission to serve in the military,” said Crockett. "It's more than just a lifestyle. I can have a greater impact here than I ever could have had in the private sector."
Crockett is a 2011 Deep Run High School graduate and native of Richmond, Virginia. He also graduated from James Madison University in 2015 with a degree in finance.
According to Crockett, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Richmond.
“Growing up I learned the importance of an analytical mindset,” said Crockett. "I also grew up in a military household where I learned that good order and discipline in the household can lead to good order and discipline in the military."
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. Crockett is most proud of deploying aboard USS John C. Stennis, where he met the ship in Bahrain and rode it to Norfolk, Virginia.
“I was proud to complete a successful deployment early in my career,” said Crockett.
For Crockett, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Crockett hopes to continue.
“My brother is in the Navy, both my grandparents were in the Navy and three uncles served in the Navy,” said Crockett. “It's an honor to carry on the tradition and live the experiences similar to what they lived through.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Crockett, 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 a very important mission to serve in the military,” said Crockett. "It's more than just a lifestyle. I can have a greater impact here than I ever could have had in the private sector."