Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Destine Howe, a native of Rogersville, Missouri, joined the Navy to carry on a tradition she saw in her father's service in the Navy.
Now, four years later, Howe 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.
Howe is an aviation structural mechanic who is responsible for working on the hydraulics, landing gears and outer shell of the helicopter.
“I like knowing that I make a difference, even if it's something small like fixing a seat,” said Howe.
Howe is a 2015 Logan-Rogersville High School graduate.
According to Howe, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rogersville.
“I understand that nothing's permanent,” said Howe. "Regardless of how challenging it may seem now, it will get better. This is kind of like the weather back home. If you don't like it now, just hang on a little bit, and it will change."
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. Howe is most proud of the birth of her daughter, who is one year old.
“I've learned a lot about being a mom, and how to balance that responsibility with a Navy career,” said Howe.
For Howe, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Howe hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Navy,” said Howe. “He was responsible for electronics on jet aircraft, and I'm responsible for structural mechanics on helicopters.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Howe, 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.
Howe is an aviation structural mechanic who is responsible for working on the hydraulics, landing gears and outer shell of the helicopter.
“I like knowing that I make a difference, even if it's something small like fixing a seat,” said Howe.
Howe is a 2015 Logan-Rogersville High School graduate.
According to Howe, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Rogersville.
“I understand that nothing's permanent,” said Howe. "Regardless of how challenging it may seem now, it will get better. This is kind of like the weather back home. If you don't like it now, just hang on a little bit, and it will change."
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. Howe is most proud of the birth of her daughter, who is one year old.
“I've learned a lot about being a mom, and how to balance that responsibility with a Navy career,” said Howe.
For Howe, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Howe hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Navy,” said Howe. “He was responsible for electronics on jet aircraft, and I'm responsible for structural mechanics on helicopters.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Howe, 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.
“I like knowing that I'm making a difference, because I get to work on the aircraft pilots use to train for their mission,” said Howe.