Patricia Elkins, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Purcell, a native of Brandon, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to a helicopter squadron operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Purcell graduated in 2015 from Land O’Lakes High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Brandon.
“I learned to be adaptable and optimistic,” said Purcell. “I also learned the importance of a strong work ethic.”
Purcell joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Purcell serves as an aviation electronics technician.
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“I wanted to do something that offered potential in life with an opportunity to serve,” said Purcell.
Members of Helicopter Sea Combat Command 28 fly and maintain the Navy’s MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter. 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, Florida. Six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold” one year later. 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. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy are stronger because of their service.
Serving in the Navy means Purcell is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
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“The Navy provides a deterrence,” said Purcell. “We help ships around the world so that supplies get where they need to be.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Purcell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of the deployment last year to South Korea,” said Purcell. “I worked on helicopters that specialize in mine countermeasures.”
As Purcell and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to help others,” said Purcell.
Purcell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Debi and Steven Stolberg, for all the support they’ve provided,” added Purcell. “I also appreciate their patience while I decided what I wanted to do. They were always willing to support me in any obstacle I wanted to overcome.”
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