SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Daven Gray, a native of Stockbridge, Georgia, 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 |
Gray graduated from Woodland High School in 2015.
Gray joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Gray serves as an personnel specialist.
“The Navy recruiters at my high school inspired me,” said Gray. "I was impressed by their lifestyles, values, and their persistence with me. Also, my mother always told me that I have two options - either join the service or go to college. At the time, I didn’t think I was college material, so navy blue uniforms it was."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stockbridge.
“Being raised in the south, southern hospitality was a big part of my life,” said Gray. "Southern hospitality made conforming to Navy life pretty much a breeze for me. I already knew how to follow directions, how to be respectful, kind and helpful."
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.
Gray 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.”
Gray has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One day while on duty, some of my deck brothers and I helped to moor a Portuguese submarine that was struggling to stay moored due to rough seas,” said Gray. "Their submarine was banging against the peer rapidly, and we secured it before damage could be done to their vessel. Having the ability to help out when it really matters is my proudest accomplishment, not rank or warfare qualifications."
Gray can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means sacrifice because we have to put our country first,” said Gray. "The Navy has also provided stability, opportunity, wealth and health for my life. It gives me the ability to have things that many people didn’t have growing up."
Gray is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
Gray joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Gray serves as an personnel specialist.
“The Navy recruiters at my high school inspired me,” said Gray. "I was impressed by their lifestyles, values, and their persistence with me. Also, my mother always told me that I have two options - either join the service or go to college. At the time, I didn’t think I was college material, so navy blue uniforms it was."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stockbridge.
“Being raised in the south, southern hospitality was a big part of my life,” said Gray. "Southern hospitality made conforming to Navy life pretty much a breeze for me. I already knew how to follow directions, how to be respectful, kind and helpful."
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.
Gray 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.”
Gray has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One day while on duty, some of my deck brothers and I helped to moor a Portuguese submarine that was struggling to stay moored due to rough seas,” said Gray. "Their submarine was banging against the peer rapidly, and we secured it before damage could be done to their vessel. Having the ability to help out when it really matters is my proudest accomplishment, not rank or warfare qualifications."
Gray can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means sacrifice because we have to put our country first,” said Gray. "The Navy has also provided stability, opportunity, wealth and health for my life. It gives me the ability to have things that many people didn’t have growing up."
Gray is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Ericka, who has always supported me in all my life decisions,” added Gray. "Also, I want to send a shoutout to my best friend (more like a brother), Percy, who has never left my side through my journey."