By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel
Navy Office of Community Outreach
SAN DIEGO Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan McRight, a native of Midland, supports versatile missions while serving at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3.
McRight joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, McRight serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
“I knew I wanted to travel and the Navy seemed to be the best choice and the most cost-efficient way for me to do just that,” said McRight.
McRight attended Midland High School and graduated in 2009.
Skills and values similar to those found in Midland are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to have a good work ethic and positive attitude,” said McRight. “Having both of those lessons instilled in you will take you a long way in the Navy and military in general.”
These lessons have helped McRight while serving with the Navy.
Members of HSC 3 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. In general, some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
As a member of the Navy, McRight is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we are the first ones out and are a major part of power projection and a deterrent for our adversaries,” said McRight.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
McRight and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I don’t have a single thing that stands out to me that I’m most proud of,” said McRight. “I think every day is an accomplishment, if you push yourself forward to accomplish your goals in life.”
As McRight and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy is about giving up my time and freedom, so my family and friends can pursue what they want without looking over their shoulders,” said McRight.
McRight is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Carlyjean, for helping keep me grounded in life and level-headed,” said McRight. “She has been my backbone throughout my time in the Navy.”
“The Navy is not what a lot of people think it is,” added McRight. “A lot of people think it is what they see in Hollywood but it isn’t like that. Sometimes it is hard, sometimes it is easy, but at the end of the day, the people to the left and right have the same goals as you. If you want to see what you are made of, just sign on the dotted line.”
