SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Steiner, a native of Beaverton, Oregon, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50, located in San Diego, California.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Steiner joined the Navy five years ago.
Today, Steiner serves as an aviation machinist’s mate with Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and to serve my country,” said Stenier. “I wanted to get experiences that were outside of my hometown.”
Growing up in Beaverton, Steiner attended Aloha High School and graduated in 2017.
Today, Steiner relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Beaverton to succeed in the military.
“The main lesson I took from home is to accept others no matter who they are or where they come from,” said Steiner. “My hometown was very diverse. That has helped me greatly in my career.”
These lessons have helped Steiner while serving in the Navy.
The CMV-22B is the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. It is designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which has provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
CMV-22Bs are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of the CMV-22B is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
Serving in the Navy means Steiner is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy has a great power projection around the world due to the aircraft and ships that we have,” said Steiner. “If we were not out there, the world would be in a different place.”
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 ready sailors and a strong Navy.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
“The Surface Force will continue to meet the challenge of strategic competition and respond to the realities of the modern security environment,” said Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of naval surface forces. “Our efforts are critical to preserve freedom of the seas, deter aggression and win wars.”
Steiner and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is my professional work ethic and mentoring others that work with me,” said Steiner. “My hard work has been recognized by my command with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.”
As Steiner and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving is a way for me to give back to the country,” added Steiner. “There are many ways others give back. My choice is to serve in the Navy. I do this because I truly enjoy it and like the idea of helping others.”