SAN DIEGO - Lt. Shane Sanders, a native of Ferndale, Washington, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 35.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Sanders graduated from Ferndale High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ferndale.
“Growing up on a farm in a small town, I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and a good reputation,” Sanders said. "Work ethic and reputation are everything when it comes to being a pilot. Our community is small and everyone knows each other. Your reputation will always precede you."
Sanders joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Sanders serves as a 0ilot.
“There were several reasons that made me want to join,” Sanders said. "One, I wanted to serve the country after hearing several family members, teachers and veterans share their stories. I also wanted the opportunity to work in a unique career field while seeing the world and contributing to a cause I could be proud of."
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.
Sanders has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning my Wings of Gold as a naval aviator,” Sanders said. "It takes three years to become a naval aviator and you have to travel across the world to fly different platforms in different areas. It is by far the most rigorous training I have ever endured but by far the most rewarding. Every flight event you have is treated like a new interview. You have to be constantly progressing and striving towards the impossible perfection to be the best pilot possible."
Sanders 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 means being part of something bigger than yourself,” Sanders said. "You get the opportunity to serve this country and communities. It also means embodying honor, courage and commitment. I strive to achieve excellence on a daily basis to ensure we continue to employ the best Navy the world has seen. The people in naval aviation and the Navy in general are a family. When you are on a boat at sea together protecting freedom of navigation it is an experience unlike any other. After having several deployments under my belt, I have strengthened my resolve in knowing the direction this country is headed is toward the promotion of freedom of democracy around the world. Working with partners and allies you realize how much larger the implications of our efforts are."
Sanders is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My teachers pushed me to excel,” Sanders added. "A large part of my success is owed to the teachers who pushed me beyond my perceived limitations and having the unwavering support of my parents and community has provided the backbone I needed to succeed.”