MAYPORT, Fla. - Airman Victor Gonzalez Corchado, a sailor from Isabela, Puerto Rico, 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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Gonzalez Corchado, a 2015 graduate of Franciso Mendoza High School, joined the Navy over two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the ability to secure a foundation for my family,” said Gonzalez Corchado.
Today, Gonzalez Corchado relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Puerto Rico to succeed in the military.
“I've learned to treat others how you would like to be treated,” said Gonzalez Corchado. "I learned to work hard even when it goes unnoticed, always to stand tall and don't ever be afraid.”
These lessons have helped Gonzalez Corchado 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 Gonzalez Corchado 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.
“In my command, we train pilots and aircrew to serve and protect those in need,” said Gonzalez Corchado. “Our maintainers also gear up for the fleet because this is a Fleet Replacement Squadron. No other squadron compares to the workload like the 'Airwolves.'"
Gonzalez Corchado and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was that first phone call I made to my family after completing the battle station final phase in boot camp,” said Gonzalez Corchado. “I called to let them know that I finally made it and that I was officially a U.S. Navy sailor,” said Gonzalez Corchado.
As Gonzalez Corchado and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“When you wake up in the morning and know that today we are building a better Navy is very satisfying,” said Gonzalez Corchado.
Gonzalez Corchado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my brother-in-law, Aviation Maintenance Administration 2nd Class Aaron Calistro, stationed at NAS Jacksonville, for his guidance and support,” added Gonzalez Corchado.