SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Kronquist, a native of Watertown, Wisconsin, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Kronquist graduated from Watertown High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Watertown.
“My wrestling coach, RJ Dilcher, helped me get through some tough times in Search and Rescue Swimmer School because it is very physically demanding,” Kronquist said.
Kronquist joined the Navy three and a half years ago. Today, Kronquist serves as a naval air crewman (tactical helicopter).
“I joined the Navy to explore the world outside of Wisconsin,” Kronquist said. “I also knew I wanted to go to college, and in the Navy, I could do that for free. Lastly, I joined the Navy because I needed to grow up and I wanted more responsibility.”
Members of HSM 71 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.
Kronquist has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of getting through Fleet Replacement Aircrew School and Surface Rescue Swimmer School because that was the point where I got all my achievements to be able to fly a helicopter,” Kronquist said.
Kronquist 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 pride,” Kronquist said. “When I go back home, I get to visit the people I love and care about and all the people who have helped me stay on the right path. They are very appreciative of all the things I do serving the country.”
Kronquist is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my coach, RJ Dilcher, for physically preparing me for the Navy and for instilling a strong work ethic in me,” Kronquist added. “I also want to thank the co-wrestling coach, Bob Logan, for being someone I can fall back on. Lastly, I want to thank my mom, Tammy, my brother, Anthony Wimmer, and my sisters, Ashley Wimmer and Brooke Kronquist, for their continued love and support.”