Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique Hydell, a native of Rochester, New York, joined the Navy because her dad was a Marine, and she wanted to travel the world.
Now, eight years later, Hydell 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.
Hydell is an aviation ordnanceman who is responsible for storing ammunition for the ship and assembling bombs and missiles.
"The favorite part about my job is seeing a direct impact of helping the United States by building bombs and keeping sailors safe,” said Hydell.
Hydell is a 2011 Oracle Charter School graduate.
According to Hydell, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rochester.
“I am able to quickly adapt,” said Hydell. “The city is always changing so the ability to take that and put it into the Navy has made things easier.”
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. Hydell is most proud of making second class petty officer her first time up.
“I had to really focus on my rate and work really hard to get the qualifications needed to make the rate,” said Hydell. “I also studied every night.”
For Hydell, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Hydell hopes to continue.
“My sister is in the Navy Reserve, my uncle is a chief in the Navy and my grandpa was in the Army,” said Hydell. “It means I am continuting that story for our family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Hydell, 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.
Hydell is an aviation ordnanceman who is responsible for storing ammunition for the ship and assembling bombs and missiles.
"The favorite part about my job is seeing a direct impact of helping the United States by building bombs and keeping sailors safe,” said Hydell.
Hydell is a 2011 Oracle Charter School graduate.
According to Hydell, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rochester.
“I am able to quickly adapt,” said Hydell. “The city is always changing so the ability to take that and put it into the Navy has made things easier.”
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. Hydell is most proud of making second class petty officer her first time up.
“I had to really focus on my rate and work really hard to get the qualifications needed to make the rate,” said Hydell. “I also studied every night.”
For Hydell, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Hydell hopes to continue.
“My sister is in the Navy Reserve, my uncle is a chief in the Navy and my grandpa was in the Army,” said Hydell. “It means I am continuting that story for our family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Hydell, 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 defending our nation and the mission that we have,” said Hydell. “It means a lot that I am able to do my small part to protect America.”