Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Mullen is part of a Naval legacy. Mullen is a naval aircrewman responsible for using sensors to detect submarines and surface ships as part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“I like tracking and analyzing data, so that we can predict where vessels are going,” said Mullen
Mullen is a 2012 Montgomery High School graduate and native of Santa Rosa, California.
According to Mullen, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Santa Rosa.
“My family taught me the importance of commitment, hard work and staying positive,” said Mullen. "This has definitely helped me get through some of the challenges."
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. Mullen is most proud of graduating from rescue swimmer school in June of 2019.
“I knew this was one of the hardest parts of getting to be a naval aircrewman,” said Mullen. "Getting through some of the mental barriers associated with that helped me achieve my goal of finishing."
For Mullen, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Mullen hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Navy,” said Mullen. “Carrying on a tradition of military service means that I have a responsibility to honor those before me. My father used to tell me how the Navy instills discipline and good habits, so after I grew up I realized how important that was."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mullen, 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 a purpose bigger than myself and contributing to something that makes our country a better place means a lot to me,” said Mullen.
Mullen is a 2012 Montgomery High School graduate and native of Santa Rosa, California.
According to Mullen, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Santa Rosa.
“My family taught me the importance of commitment, hard work and staying positive,” said Mullen. "This has definitely helped me get through some of the challenges."
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. Mullen is most proud of graduating from rescue swimmer school in June of 2019.
“I knew this was one of the hardest parts of getting to be a naval aircrewman,” said Mullen. "Getting through some of the mental barriers associated with that helped me achieve my goal of finishing."
For Mullen, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Mullen hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Navy,” said Mullen. “Carrying on a tradition of military service means that I have a responsibility to honor those before me. My father used to tell me how the Navy instills discipline and good habits, so after I grew up I realized how important that was."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Mullen, 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 a purpose bigger than myself and contributing to something that makes our country a better place means a lot to me,” said Mullen.