SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Coleman Proffitt, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Proffitt graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mansfield.
“My parents instilled some solid values in me that have helped me navigate this life in the military,” Proffitt said. “For example, they taught me about discipline and resilience. Those values are important because the military is not always the most fun or glamorous job. However, having discipline and resilience gives you a better mindset. My parents also taught me to be respectful, to have a good attitude and to always see the bright side in each situation.”
Proffitt joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Proffitt serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy because I always had a pull towards serving,” Proffitt said. “I went to college but when I graduated, I wanted a new challenge and to try something different.”
Members of HSM 41 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.
Proffitt has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of graduating Aviation Rescue Swimmer school because once I got past that point, I knew it was very obtainable to put on the aircrew wings,” Proffitt said.
Proffitt 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 I get a job opportunity that not many other people get to do with flying a helicopter and training to save lives,” Proffitt said. “It also means camaraderie with all the guys I work with.”
Proffitt is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Zach and Regina, family and friends for supporting me,” Proffitt added.