SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 3rd Class Sebastian Cintron, a native of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 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 |
Cintron graduated from Woonsocket High School in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Woonsocket.
“I learned from my father to always give 100%,” Cintron said. “He would always tell me to commit to change and to commit with conviction. That lesson was important coming out here because I had to give my all or else I would fail.”
Cintron joined the Navy three and a half years ago. Today, Cintron serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities it provides because I wanted something more out of life,” Cintron said. “I also wanted to see the world.”
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.
Cintron has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of signing the contract to enlist because that changed my life,” Cintron said.
Cintron 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 financial stability,” Cintron said. “It also means being ready to defend the country at a moment's notice.”
Cintron is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Cristina, and my stepdad, William, for always being there for me whenever I need someone to talk to,” Cintron added. “I also want to thank my friends, YK, Trekyo, and Xander, for being there for me whenever I need to talk about something. They are always there to cheer me up.”