Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick John Braga, who hails from Orange County, California, is currently providing support for versatile missions at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28. Braga joined the Navy two years ago and serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.
Braga expressed his reasons for joining the Navy, stating that he wanted to step out of his comfort zone, explore the world, learn new skills, and find a career. He attended Saint Mary’s Academy in the Philippines and graduated in 2012. Braga’s success in the military can be attributed to the skills and values he learned while growing up in Orange County, where he learned to work hard and treat everyone with respect.
As a member of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Braga and his fellow sailors fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. They perform a variety of missions, such as search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport, and submarine hunting. This year marks 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy, and Braga is proud to be part of an organization that has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally.
The Navy’s mission is to maintain maritime dominance, strengthen partnerships, increase competitive warfighting capabilities, and sustain combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy. Braga believes that their maritime operations protect the freedom of the seas and their loved ones back home. Navy officials emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Braga takes pride in achieving accomplishments during his military service, such as being named “Dragon Whale of the Week” for finding an important piece that had fallen off a helicopter and reporting it. He acknowledges that his Navy career is made possible by the support of his parents, siblings, and wife, who have always supported him.
