MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. j.g. David Shattuck, a native of Redding, California, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, based out of Mayport, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Shattuck, a 2020 graduate of University Preparatory School, joined the Navy three years ago.
Additionally, Shattuck is a University of California San Diego alumni with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
“I joined the Navy as a way to serve my country and to help protect the ideals that it represents,” said Shattuck.
Today, Shattuck relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Redding to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, some of the most important lessons I learned was the value of hard work and working together as a team with other people towards a common goal,” said Shattuck. “With these lessons, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.”
These lessons have helped Shattuck while serving in the Navy.
HSM 40 flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations, according to Navy officials.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Shattuck is part of a team 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 is instrumental in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy all around the world,” said Shattuck.
Shattuck and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from flight school in Pensacola and getting my ‘Wings of Gold,’” said Shattuck. “It was an accumulation of several years of hard work and it means I can continue my path in the Navy into being the best pilot I can be and continue working with the people that I have the utmost respect for.”
As Shattuck and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means having a lot of opportunities afforded to me,” said Shattuck. “It’s about meeting some of the smartest, most capable people that defend our country. Overall, it’s a very fulfilling experience in a way that I can give back to my country.”
Shattuck is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Cliff and Robin O'Hanlon,” added Shattuck. “They continue to support me and give me the advice and guidance needed to reach the point where I am today.”