SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 1st Class James McDowell, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35.
McDowell graduated from Westlake High School in 2015.
McDowell joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, McDowell serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to broaden my horizons and take advantage of the opportunities I had,” McDowell said. “Growing up, I had financial constraints, and the Navy offered me the opportunity to develop myself professionally and personally.”
Members of HSM-35 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.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
McDowell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of taking the first tour to Japan,” McDowell said. “While stationed in Japan, we executed a lot of joint exercises. The opportunity to work alongside several partner countries was unlike anything I had experienced before.”
McDowell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment every day,” McDowell said. “Although you don’t know the big picture of every mission, every single effort you make contributes to the overall mission. From seeing your efforts directly to the impact you have on junior sailors who are the future of the force. The Navy has provided a sense of fulfillment in my work every day.”
McDowell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to recognize my dad,” McDowell added. “He was in the Navy in the ‘90s. The Navy recruitment office also had told me about all the educational, professional, and personal opportunities I would have.”
McDowell said serving in the Navy has offered them the chance to grow personally and experience the world.
“I am almost at my 10-year mark, and I am proud to say I have established myself as a prominent leader for everyone from all walks of life,” McDowell said. “I just returned from Singapore, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the Navy. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and strive for greatness.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
McDowell graduated from Westlake High School in 2015.
McDowell joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, McDowell serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to broaden my horizons and take advantage of the opportunities I had,” McDowell said. “Growing up, I had financial constraints, and the Navy offered me the opportunity to develop myself professionally and personally.”
Members of HSM-35 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.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
McDowell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of taking the first tour to Japan,” McDowell said. “While stationed in Japan, we executed a lot of joint exercises. The opportunity to work alongside several partner countries was unlike anything I had experienced before.”
McDowell serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment every day,” McDowell said. “Although you don’t know the big picture of every mission, every single effort you make contributes to the overall mission. From seeing your efforts directly to the impact you have on junior sailors who are the future of the force. The Navy has provided a sense of fulfillment in my work every day.”
McDowell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to recognize my dad,” McDowell added. “He was in the Navy in the ‘90s. The Navy recruitment office also had told me about all the educational, professional, and personal opportunities I would have.”
McDowell said serving in the Navy has offered them the chance to grow personally and experience the world.
“I am almost at my 10-year mark, and I am proud to say I have established myself as a prominent leader for everyone from all walks of life,” McDowell said. “I just returned from Singapore, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the Navy. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and strive for greatness.”