NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan - Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Kersten, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Kersten graduated from Cutter Morning Star High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hot Springs.
“Having respect for others and being a hard worker were things that were taught to me from a very young age,” said Kersten. “Being a sailor who can be trusted and is respected goes a long way here in the Navy.”
Kersten joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Kersten serves as an aviation structural mechanic.
“I joined the Navy to travel and see the world while serving my country at the same time,” said Kersten. “Some of the health and academic benefits were also very attractive to me. The Navy has helped me learn so many things and earn college credits.”
Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Kersten in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Kersten has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Kersten in Japan as part of the forward-deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Kersten has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to be able to say I have had a successful career for 15 years and learned so many valuable skills,” said Kersten. “Climbing to the rank of Petty Officer 1st class was also a huge accomplishment.”
Kersten can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy provides me the opportunity to protect those around the world in other countries while also serving and protecting my loved ones back at home,” said Kersten.
Kersten is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Laura, for being my rock and always being there for me,” added Kersten. “I would not be such a productive sailor if it was not for her and the rest of my family.”
Kersten is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Laura, for being my rock and always being there for me,” added Kersten. “I would not be such a productive sailor if it was not for her and the rest of my family.”