Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Petty Officer 1st Class Mariya Uy is a part of a Naval legacy. Uy is a personnel specialist who is responsible for administration, pay, entitlements and records updates. She is now is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“My favorite part about my job is solving issues for the members,” said Uy. “It makes me feel good to be able to help them.”
Uy is a 2007 F. B. Morris High School graduate and native of San Diego.
According to Uy, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“I moved here from the Philippines at 15, so I learned the perseverance of wanting to be in a better place,” said Uy. “I grew up poor, so I have always wanted to provide better for my family and that was my drive to stay 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. Uy is most proud of being in the military for 12 years.
“It shows that I am dedicated, I am focused on what needs to be done and what I have to do to provide for my family,” said Uy. “It also shows that I am selfless and I am willing to sacrifice my time to support my family.”
Uy is the first person in her family to serve but is hoping to start a legacy of military service.
“My younger sister is thinking about joining the military and I am supportive of what she wants to do,” said Uy.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Uy, 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 is a way of having a good life for me,” said Uy. “Living in the Philippines was a rough upbringing, so when we got here I chose being in the military over my scholarship because it is the fastest way to have a better life.”
Uy is a 2007 F. B. Morris High School graduate and native of San Diego.
According to Uy, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“I moved here from the Philippines at 15, so I learned the perseverance of wanting to be in a better place,” said Uy. “I grew up poor, so I have always wanted to provide better for my family and that was my drive to stay 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. Uy is most proud of being in the military for 12 years.
“It shows that I am dedicated, I am focused on what needs to be done and what I have to do to provide for my family,” said Uy. “It also shows that I am selfless and I am willing to sacrifice my time to support my family.”
Uy is the first person in her family to serve but is hoping to start a legacy of military service.
“My younger sister is thinking about joining the military and I am supportive of what she wants to do,” said Uy.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Uy, 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 is a way of having a good life for me,” said Uy. “Living in the Philippines was a rough upbringing, so when we got here I chose being in the military over my scholarship because it is the fastest way to have a better life.”