MILLINGTON, Tenn. – A Haleiwa, Hawaii, native is currently serving aboard USS Carl Vinson with U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4, which flies one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters.
Aviation machinist’s mates maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, preserve, and de-preserve aircraft engines and their related systems.
Sanchez joined the Navy three years ago to for the opportunities the military provides.
"I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world,” said Sanchez.
USS Carl Vinson, homeported in San Diego, California, is named for Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Navy. The ship was launched in 1980 and undertook her maiden voyage in 1983.
According to Navy officials, USS Carl Vinson, the U.S. Navy's third Nimitz-class supercarrier, is one of only 11 operational aircraft carriers in the Navy today. Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS Carl Vinson. Approximately 3,000 men and women make up the ship’s company, and they keep all parts of the aircraft carrier running. They do everything from preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the nuclear reactors. Another 2,000 sailors comprise the air wing, the people who fly and maintain the aircraft aboard the ship.
Nimitz-class aircraft carriers support and operate aircraft that engage in attacks on airborne, afloat and ashore targets that threaten free use of the sea and engage in sustained power projection operations in support of U.S. and coalition forces.
Members of HSC 4 with the MH-60S Seahawk, one of the worlds most advanced helicopters. The missions of the MH-60S are Anti-Surface Warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, Combat Search and Rescue, aero medical evacuation and organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures.
Operating from sea aboard aircraft carriers such as USS Carl Vinson, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.
Sanchez believes the same lessons and skills developed in Haleiwa contribute to a successful naval career.
“I have learned to be patient,” said Sanchez. “Being patient helps deal with all that comes with a deployment.”
Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Sanchez is most proud of earning qualifications.
“I’m proud of earning qualifications,” said Sanchez. “learning these skills helped me to put better quality work into our aircraft.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Sanchez, 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 in the Navy allows me to keep aircraft flying in order to protect out home,” added Sanchez.