SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Holmes, a native of Missouri City, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (COMHSMWINGPAC).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Williams |
Holmes graduated from Thurgood Marshall High School in 2008.
Holmes joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Holmes serves as an engineman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to make something better of myself and be financially stable,” said Holmes. "I also wanted to have money for college. I'm in school right now, paying for it with the programs that are available to us. I wanted to set my life up to become the best version of myself, and realize my potential. I wanted to be a team player, financial stable and physically fit. At 18, I didn't have the confidence and charisma that I have now, I got them from my time in the service."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Missouri City.
“I've learned how to turn nothing into something,” said Holmes. "That means turning the worst situation into a good situation. A lot of times in the military and in my life, I've had the mental fortitude to change that into a positive outcome. My hard work ethic and drive have helped me become something of myself. And, my football coached taught me good leadership skills. I wanted to carry those lessons on in the military."
According to Navy officials, members of COMHSMWINGPAC 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.
Holmes serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Holmes joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Holmes serves as an engineman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to make something better of myself and be financially stable,” said Holmes. "I also wanted to have money for college. I'm in school right now, paying for it with the programs that are available to us. I wanted to set my life up to become the best version of myself, and realize my potential. I wanted to be a team player, financial stable and physically fit. At 18, I didn't have the confidence and charisma that I have now, I got them from my time in the service."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Missouri City.
“I've learned how to turn nothing into something,” said Holmes. "That means turning the worst situation into a good situation. A lot of times in the military and in my life, I've had the mental fortitude to change that into a positive outcome. My hard work ethic and drive have helped me become something of myself. And, my football coached taught me good leadership skills. I wanted to carry those lessons on in the military."
According to Navy officials, members of COMHSMWINGPAC 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.
Holmes 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.”
Holmes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is not my own, but getting to see the sailors below me,” said Holmes. "Getting to teach them the things they needed to be successful is my favorite part. In my last ship, I trained the 100% of the ship in damage control. I am proud of becoming a mentor."
Holmes can take pride in serving America through military service.
“At this point in my career, I am serving the people who serve our country,” said Holmes. "I work in equal opportunity program for the Navy. I'm a director at my command, and I ensure that all of my subordinate commands are being treated fairly, with dignity, honor and respect. All those things are true to me because the military was a different place 16 years ago. I wasn't always treated fairly. I got looked over for advancement at times. Now, I get to enforce the rules and help to make this organization fairer."
Holmes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my little brother, Justin,” added Holmes. "He passed away. He was a good person and he always treated people fairly. I also want to give a shoutout to my dad, Douglas, and mom, Erma."
The military has helped me reach a level in life I never dreamed of. I own a house in Southern California. I've traveled the world. I've been to 12 countries so far. Being able to experience different cultures and give back to people around the world has been amazing.
Holmes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is not my own, but getting to see the sailors below me,” said Holmes. "Getting to teach them the things they needed to be successful is my favorite part. In my last ship, I trained the 100% of the ship in damage control. I am proud of becoming a mentor."
Holmes can take pride in serving America through military service.
“At this point in my career, I am serving the people who serve our country,” said Holmes. "I work in equal opportunity program for the Navy. I'm a director at my command, and I ensure that all of my subordinate commands are being treated fairly, with dignity, honor and respect. All those things are true to me because the military was a different place 16 years ago. I wasn't always treated fairly. I got looked over for advancement at times. Now, I get to enforce the rules and help to make this organization fairer."
Holmes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my little brother, Justin,” added Holmes. "He passed away. He was a good person and he always treated people fairly. I also want to give a shoutout to my dad, Douglas, and mom, Erma."
The military has helped me reach a level in life I never dreamed of. I own a house in Southern California. I've traveled the world. I've been to 12 countries so far. Being able to experience different cultures and give back to people around the world has been amazing.