SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 3rd Class Isaac Gomez, a native of Oak Harbor, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-73).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Williams, |
Gomez graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2018.
Gomez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Gomez serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself,” said Gomez. "Growing up, I admired the dedication and bravery of service members like my father, who also served in the Navy. I felt a calling to be part of the tradition the Navy offers to see the world and serve alongside some of the best people in the world."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oak Harbor.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me the value of hard work and resilience,” said Gomez. "From a young age, I learned that dedication and effort are key to achieving any goal. This is essential in the Navy. The resilience I developed has helped me overcome the challenges and demands of military life enabling me to stay committed despite having encountered some setbacks."
According to Navy officials, members of HSM-73 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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.
Gomez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“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.”
Gomez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is becoming an aircrewman,” said Gomez. "This achievement represents the hard work and dedication I've put into my service. Earning this designation enables me to take on greater responsibilities and contribute significantly to my team and our mission."
Gomez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” said Gomez. "The Navy has given me the chance to grow both personally and professionally. I've gained invaluable skills, developed strong leadership qualities, and formed lifelong bonds with my fellow service members. It's a rewarding experience that allows me to make a meaningful impact on the world while continuously challenging myself."
Gomez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my dad, and retired Navy petty officer 1st class, and my brother, for their guidance and support,” added Gomez. "My father served in the Navy from 2000-2020 and my brother is currently serving in the Navy as a submariner. Their dedication and commitment inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Their work ethic and devotion to family while serving has been an invaluable influence on my journey."
Gomez joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Gomez serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy to challenge myself,” said Gomez. "Growing up, I admired the dedication and bravery of service members like my father, who also served in the Navy. I felt a calling to be part of the tradition the Navy offers to see the world and serve alongside some of the best people in the world."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oak Harbor.
“Growing up in my hometown taught me the value of hard work and resilience,” said Gomez. "From a young age, I learned that dedication and effort are key to achieving any goal. This is essential in the Navy. The resilience I developed has helped me overcome the challenges and demands of military life enabling me to stay committed despite having encountered some setbacks."
According to Navy officials, members of HSM-73 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
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.
Gomez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“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.”
Gomez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is becoming an aircrewman,” said Gomez. "This achievement represents the hard work and dedication I've put into my service. Earning this designation enables me to take on greater responsibilities and contribute significantly to my team and our mission."
Gomez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself,” said Gomez. "The Navy has given me the chance to grow both personally and professionally. I've gained invaluable skills, developed strong leadership qualities, and formed lifelong bonds with my fellow service members. It's a rewarding experience that allows me to make a meaningful impact on the world while continuously challenging myself."
Gomez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to thank my dad, and retired Navy petty officer 1st class, and my brother, for their guidance and support,” added Gomez. "My father served in the Navy from 2000-2020 and my brother is currently serving in the Navy as a submariner. Their dedication and commitment inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Their work ethic and devotion to family while serving has been an invaluable influence on my journey."