SAN DIEGO – Lt. Robert Spaulding, a native of Durham, California, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“One of the main reasons I wanted to join the Navy was to make a difference,” said Spaulding. “I wanted to do something that would make a difference in the lives of others and have a career where I might be able to save lives.”
Spaulding joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Spaulding serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC 6) in San Diego, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters, the MH-60S Knighthawk.
Growing up in Durham, Spaulding attended Durham High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Spaulding uses the same skills and values learned in Durham to succeed in the military.
Growing up in Durham, Spaulding attended Durham High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Spaulding uses the same skills and values learned in Durham to succeed in the military.
“The biggest life lesson I was taught growing up is to give everything I do my all and be proud of myself, ” said Spaulding. “I learned to always try hard no matter what the task.”
These lessons have helped Spaulding 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.”
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 Spaulding 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.
“Our presence in the ocean projects power and strength and helps deter our enemies,” said Spaulding.
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.”
Spaulding and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Getting my wings as a Navy aviator was my proudest Navy moment because it takes a lot of effort and time and not everyone makes it through,” said Spaulding.
As Spaulding 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 is something I can be proud of for the rest of my life,” added Spaulding. “I'm proud of serving my country and standing up for the values that this country was founded on. It's made me stronger as a person.”
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.”
Spaulding and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Getting my wings as a Navy aviator was my proudest Navy moment because it takes a lot of effort and time and not everyone makes it through,” said Spaulding.
As Spaulding 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 is something I can be proud of for the rest of my life,” added Spaulding. “I'm proud of serving my country and standing up for the values that this country was founded on. It's made me stronger as a person.”