NAVASOTA NATIVE SUPPORTS U.S. NAVY HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE SQUADRON

  

Petty Officer 3rd Class Shaun Rodgers, a native of Navasota, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Navasota.

“I’ve always done farm work so I’ve always known how to work hard and follow directions,” said Rodgers. “My dad worked in the garage a lot. I would help him out with things and learn how to be mechanically inclined. It has helped me out a lot and it has gotten me far.”

Rodgers joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Rodgers serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.

“I joined the Navy because I didn’t want to go to college yet,” said Rodgers. “I had a family friend who was a senior chief in the Navy and his stories always fascinated me.”

Members of HSM 49 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.

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.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Rodgers has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is getting my collateral duty inspector qualification,” said Rodgers. “That’s the highest qualification a petty officer third class can get. I’m proud to teach other junior sailors about what we do and the qualifications we can get. Seeing them accomplish so much makes me proud.”

Rodgers 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 in a good environment with people you have close connections with,” said Rodgers. “Years down the line, you’ll still have those connections with people who are almost like family.”

Rodgers is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank Petty Officer 2nd Class Ian Liske for helping me learn what I need to learn,” added Rodgers. “He gives me all the tips and tricks to be a mechanic. I also want to thank Petty Officer 1st Class John Paul Delarosa. I wouldn’t be a petty officer third class if not for him. I’m also thankful for Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittni Ogrodnick, for teaching me a lot of things and being my mentor. I owe it to her to be a good collateral duty inspector and good petty officer third class overall.”

(Story courtesy Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach)