MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Magee, a native of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, 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 |
Magee, a 2002 graduate of Apollo Ridge High School in Apollo, Pennsylvania, joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, for the challenges and for the college opportunities,” said Magee.
Today, Magee relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Vandergrift to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in a very low-income family of eight, I learned to be humble everywhere I have traveled with the Navy,” said Magee.
These lessons have helped Magee 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 Magee 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 Magee.
Magee and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I never thought I would have been enlisted for 16 years and be able to obtain the rank of E-6,” said Magee. “This has been my greatest accomplishment in my naval career so far,” said Magee.
As Magee and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, it was always about being proud of what I did and what I have yet to accomplish,” said Magee. “It’s always been about serving a purpose that's higher than me and doing my best to help junior sailors throughout not just their naval career, but in life as well.”
Magee is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my uncle, William Thompson, and my cousin, Michael Thompson, Jr., for helping me through the rough times and eventually pushing me on my path to joining the military,” said Magee.
“I definitely wouldn't be on this path to success without my past and present mentors, and more importantly, my wife, Courtney, and two daughters, Keigan and Cora, who are at home in Norfolk, Virginia,” added Magee. “We have been apart for the last two years while I was stationed overseas in Bahrain, and now that I am here in Mayport, it will be another four on top of that. However, I will have more opportunities to make more visits home while being here in the United States.”