SAN DIEGO – Airman Joselyn Obando, a native of West Sacramento, California, serves in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to make my parents proud and do something different with my life,” said Obando. “I also wanted to explore more of the world and meet new people.”
Obando joined the Navy a little over a year ago. Today, Obando 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 West Sacramento, Obando attended River City High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Obando uses the same skills and values learned in West Sacramento to succeed in the military.
“I learned to work hard and never give up,” said Obando. “I also learned to overcome obstacles and face my challenges by trying things that made me uncomfortable.”
These lessons have helped Obando while serving in the Navy.
Navy pilots and aircrew at HSM 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 Obando 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 is a large force,” said Obando. “We strive to be forward deployed and ready to protect our waterways at a moment’s notice.”
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.”
Obando and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“The Navy has helped me get out of my comfort zone,” said Obando. “I used to be very shy and now I feel a lot more confident in what I do. I’m proud of that.”
As Obando 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 my country in the Navy means being that person that allows my family and friends to enjoy freedom,” added Obando.