SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Damian Gonzalez, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Weapon School Pacific (HSMWSP).
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah Williams |
Gonzalez graduated from Passaic County Technical Institute in 2014.
Gonzalez joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Gonzalez serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to have a lasting impression in the world and make a positive difference in people's lives,” said Gonzalez.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Paterson.
“Growing up, I learned that anything in life is achievable if you have motivation, drive and persistence,” said Gonzalez. "I attribute all my success to never giving up and always striving to be the best at anything I do."
According to Navy officials, members of HSMWSP 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.
Gonzalez 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.”
Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy comes from being able to do my job as a naval aircrewman,” said Gonzalez. "I've been able to experience flying at the most scenic landmarks in the world and make friends from different places in the country that will be my brothers for life. Most importantly, I get to save lives as a rescue swimmer."
Gonzalez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has given me a different perspective to life and how I view the world and people as a whole,” said Gonzalez. "Being in the Navy has allowed me to interact with all different kinds of people with diverse experiences from all around the world, both in and out of the military. The opportunity to serve is an opportunity to experience things that most people could never imagine."
Gonzalez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my father, Ramon Gonzalez, for instilling the ethics and core values in me that have allowed me to become as successful as I am in my life so far. He has helped shape the person I am today, and I only hope to continue to make him proud,” added Gonzalez.