CV Native Supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 1st Class Jaime Badgett, a native of Castro Valley, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49. Badgett graduated from Castro Valley High School in 2013.

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

“I moved around a lot growing up, so I was used to making new friends,” said Badgett. “In the Navy, you have to be able to adapt because things are constantly changing.”

Badgett joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Badgett serves as an aviation electronics technician.

“I joined the Navy because I couldn’t afford college and I wanted to have new opportunities,” said Badgett.

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.”

Badgett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is having junior sailors recognized for the hard work they’ve done on deployments,” said Badgett. “I am proud of that because when I was a junior sailor, I didn’t feel like my leadership recognized me. Now, I want to make sure my sailors know their efforts are appreciated. It is easy to feel like a small piece of the Navy mission however, getting an award at the end of a deployment can make sailors feel like they did something important.”

Badgett 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 job security and not having to worry about where your next paycheck will come from,” said Badgett. “It also means having opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. For example, I have been to a lot of really cool places like Thailand and Bail. I was also able to buy a house.”

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

“I want to thank my parents, James Badgett and Rhonda Cardona, for their support,” added Badgett. “I also want to thank my wife, Kaitlyn Durant, who is also in the Navy, for supporting me while I’m gone and being understanding of the lack of control I have sometimes when it comes to this job.”