SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Paul John Balingit, a resident of National City, California, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
“I initially joined the Navy for a secure job and to gain experience,” said Balingit. “I wanted to learn. I also wanted to travel, to be part of something bigger than myself and to help do something good in the world.”
Balingit joined the Navy two and a half years ago. Today, Balingit 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.
Today, Balingit uses the same skills and values learned in National City to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I moved around a lot and encountered people with different backgrounds,” said Balingit. “That skillset has helped me adapt while in the Navy because the military is so diverse. It's important to be able to adapt to that diversity and work with people from all different backgrounds.”
These lessons continue to help Balingit 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 Balingit 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.
“We are the most powerful Navy in the world and we also play a big role in international security because of our ability to control water space,” said Balingit.
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.”
Balingit and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of being part of the firefighting team that was called in to help fight the fire on board USS Bonhome Richard,” said Balingit.
As Balingit 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 means I get to do my part to support my command,” added Balingit. “I am part of a greater cause than myself. My job is to make sure our aircraft are safe so our pilots can fly. Something as simple as sweeping the deck can help contribute to the mission because the little things add up. Although it may seem small, it has a ripple effect on the bigger mission.”