SAN DIEGO - Seaman Rachel Bradford, a native of Bradford, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 75.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Bradford graduated from Bradford Area High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bradford.
“I had a lot of jobs that provided essential experience to perform my duties at a high level,” Bradford said. "As a yeoman, I work in a fast-paced environment helping sailors navigate any administrative issues. Learning diligence and customer service at an early age was directly applicable to the profession I have today."
Bradford joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Bradford serves as a yeoman.
“I originally thought about the Army National Guard,” Bradford said. "My dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all in the Navy. I knew I wanted to serve and the Navy afforded me the opportunity to pursue a career that could provide professional development."
Members of HSM 75 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.
Bradford has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have two Navy Achievement Medals in two years,” Bradford said. "On top of the two NAM's, I also earned the blue jacket of the quarter. Blue Jacket of the quarter is all enlisted E-3 and below and each command only chooses one of us to be selected from our command. To have the opportunity to be recognized so early in my career shows that my efforts have been recognized."
Bradford serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“It means carrying forward my family's legacy,” Bradford said. "Having my dad watch me walk off the boat after my first deployment was an experience unlike any other. From the pride I take in my work to the friends I've made along the way, it is definitely the best decision I have ever made."
Bradford is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank YN1 Samantha Rivera,” Bradford added. "She has been the best mentor by far as well as my dad and mom. They have provided the guidance and support I needed to succeed in my career."“Deployment was a lot of work but one of the best experiences I have had,” Bradford said. "It is difficult, but it changes you for the better as a person. You experience so many unique work dynamics and cultures that I would not have had otherwise. The opportunity to continue my education, I have to say personally it is the best decision I have made."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bradford.
“I had a lot of jobs that provided essential experience to perform my duties at a high level,” Bradford said. "As a yeoman, I work in a fast-paced environment helping sailors navigate any administrative issues. Learning diligence and customer service at an early age was directly applicable to the profession I have today."
Bradford joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Bradford serves as a yeoman.
“I originally thought about the Army National Guard,” Bradford said. "My dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all in the Navy. I knew I wanted to serve and the Navy afforded me the opportunity to pursue a career that could provide professional development."
Members of HSM 75 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.
Bradford has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I have two Navy Achievement Medals in two years,” Bradford said. "On top of the two NAM's, I also earned the blue jacket of the quarter. Blue Jacket of the quarter is all enlisted E-3 and below and each command only chooses one of us to be selected from our command. To have the opportunity to be recognized so early in my career shows that my efforts have been recognized."
Bradford serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“It means carrying forward my family's legacy,” Bradford said. "Having my dad watch me walk off the boat after my first deployment was an experience unlike any other. From the pride I take in my work to the friends I've made along the way, it is definitely the best decision I have ever made."
Bradford is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank YN1 Samantha Rivera,” Bradford added. "She has been the best mentor by far as well as my dad and mom. They have provided the guidance and support I needed to succeed in my career."“Deployment was a lot of work but one of the best experiences I have had,” Bradford said. "It is difficult, but it changes you for the better as a person. You experience so many unique work dynamics and cultures that I would not have had otherwise. The opportunity to continue my education, I have to say personally it is the best decision I have made."