SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Wenglikowski, a native of Bay City, Michigan, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to see the world,” said Wenglikowski. "My grandfather also served in World War II and hearing about that made me want to follow in his footsteps."
Wenglikowski joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Wenglikowski serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC 6) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters.
Growing up in Bay City, Wenglikowski attended Bay City Western High School and graduated in 2016. Today, Wenglikowski uses the same skills and values learned in Bay City to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I played sports,” said Wenglikowski. "The hard work and work ethic I gained from sports taught me not to let anyone outwork me. There's always a need to give your 100 percent effort. That’s especially true in the Navy. It can be a stressful job, but part of being in the Navy is learning to deal with that stress and pushing through to accomplish the mission.”
These lessons continue to help Wenglikowski while serving in the Navy.
Navy pilots and aircrew at HSC 6 constantly train to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions. The mission set of the MH-60S includes anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, logistics support, personnel transport, humanitarian disaster relief, medical evacuation, support to Naval Special Warfare and organic airborne mine countermeasures. MH-60S helicopters are also equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and enable other operations for the carrier strike group.
“For over 60 years, HSC 6 has provided all-weather rotary wing operations to America’s Navy," said Cmdr. Charles A. Chmielak, HSC 6’s commanding officer. "Whether it’s recovering the astronauts of Apollo 14 after they returned to Earth, or deploying around the world to preserve free and open sea lanes, our highly trained sailors have always answered the call, wherever and whenever the nation needs them.”
Serving in the Navy means Wenglikowski is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus, rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to national security because we are the only branch with carriers constantly out and about with power projection,” said Wenglikowski. "No other Navy in the world is able to do what our aircraft and ships are able to do. We just got back from an 11-month deployment. That's the longest deployment since World War II. No other country in the world has a Navy capable of being out on the water that long.”
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.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Wenglikowski and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is taking the first step and going to bootcamp,” said Wenglikowski. "A lot of people talk about wanting to join, but they never take that first step. I'm proud of myself for doing it."
As Wenglikowski and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy separates you from anyone else in the world,” added Wenglikowski. "Those who you serve with--they're a special group of people. We've all chosen to defend the freedoms of our country together."