SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Eric Pantlin, a native of Cary, North Carolina, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve the country,” said Pantlin. "I was pretty sure I wanted to be a pilot and I knew the Navy had the best pilots in the world. Why would I settle for anything less?"
Pantlin joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Pantlin serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN THREE (HSM 73) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawk.
Growing up in Cary, Pantlin attended Athens Drive Stewart's High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Pantlin uses the same skills and values learned in Cary to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to work hard and figure out where you want to go in life,” said Pantlin. "That's the best way to achieve your goals."
Pantlin joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Pantlin serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN THREE (HSM 73) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60R Seahawk.
Growing up in Cary, Pantlin attended Athens Drive Stewart's High School and graduated in 2013. Today, Pantlin uses the same skills and values learned in Cary to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I was taught to work hard and figure out where you want to go in life,” said Pantlin. "That's the best way to achieve your goals."
These lessons have helped Pantlin while serving in the Navy.
Navy pilots and aircrew at HMS 73 constantly train to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions. According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting the Navy’s special operations forces.
"The BattleCats of HSM 73 proudly provide advanced mission capability and readiness to America's Navy,” said Cmdr. Rich “Speed” Christoff, HSM 73 commanding officer. “Our sailors come from every corner of the nation and the world, bringing their expertise and fighting spirit to a unit that I'm extremely proud to command."
Serving in the Navy means Pantlin 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 sends strike groups around the world to support our allies and defend us when needed,” said Pantlin.
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.”
Pantlin and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment was earning my wings,” said Pantlin.
As Pantlin 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.
“In the Navy, I hear a lot of people say that they're an officer of sailors, but I am an officer for sailors,” said Pantlin. "I serve to help my fellow sailors achieve their goals. I also serve to protect those back home and the lifestyle of freedom we all know and love."
Navy pilots and aircrew at HMS 73 constantly train to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions. According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting the Navy’s special operations forces.
"The BattleCats of HSM 73 proudly provide advanced mission capability and readiness to America's Navy,” said Cmdr. Rich “Speed” Christoff, HSM 73 commanding officer. “Our sailors come from every corner of the nation and the world, bringing their expertise and fighting spirit to a unit that I'm extremely proud to command."
Serving in the Navy means Pantlin 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 sends strike groups around the world to support our allies and defend us when needed,” said Pantlin.
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.”
Pantlin and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment was earning my wings,” said Pantlin.
As Pantlin 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.
“In the Navy, I hear a lot of people say that they're an officer of sailors, but I am an officer for sailors,” said Pantlin. "I serve to help my fellow sailors achieve their goals. I also serve to protect those back home and the lifestyle of freedom we all know and love."