SAN DIEGO – Lt. Sean Ryan, a native of Corte Madera, California, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“My grandfather was a naval pilot, so I was raised on stories about him growing up,” said Ryan. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps. I think my path is similar to his in a lot of ways. Even though I never met him I feel a connection with him through my experience.”
Ryan joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Ryan serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC 8) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60S Seahawk.
Growing up in Corte Madera, Ryan attended Redwood High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Ryan uses the same skills and values learned in Corte Madera to succeed in the military.
“I grew up as a member of Boy Scouts, which provided a lot of community service opportunities,” said Ryan. “As Americans we have freedoms that some don't. It’s important to be able to give back to other countries and provide a safeguard for them.”
These lessons have helped Ryan while serving in the Navy.
Navy pilots and aircrew at HSC 8 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.
Serving in the Navy means Ryan 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.
“America has two borders, so everywhere else we rely on sea power,” said Ryan. “Securing the seas for free trade and navigation is important. We not only provide protection for our country, but also others around the world.”
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.”
Ryan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Getting my wings was my proudest naval achievement so far,” said Ryan. “It took over two years of training, and many long nights, but it was an amazing experience. It’s hard to call it work when you get to fly a helicopter off an aircraft carrier at sea. I feel lucky and honored to say that is what I do.”
As Ryan 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 United States Navy is one of the biggest honors of my life,” added Ryan. “America is a multifaceted ambassador. We are the front line to protect America's interests and provide humanitarian aid.”