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By Lt. j.g. Garrison Wendlberger, Navy Public Affairs Support

Element West

SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Carlos Gallardo Valle, a native of Franklinton, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41.

Gallardo Valle graduated from Franklinton High School in 2011.

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

“My hometown inspires me to serve every day,” Gallardo Valle said. “Since joining the Navy, every time I go home, my family and friends are eager to hear the stories I have accumulated over recent months. Their unwavering support and interest always energizes me.”

Gallardo Valle joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Gallardo serves as a pilot.

“I joined the Navy because I was uncertain about my future,” Gallardo Valle said. “I wanted the opportunity to mature and to experience the world. The Navy offered the opportunity to gain valuable work experience with people from all over the country. In my time in the Navy, I have been able to visit more countries and meet more people than I ever could have imagined.”

Members of HSM-41 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.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Gallardo Valle has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and getting my Wings of Gold,” Gallardo Valle said. “After enlisting in the Navy, I was one of the few selected to attend the Naval Academy to receive an education and commission. It was a testament to the efforts I put forth every day as a sailor. After commissioning, I went straight to Pensacola for flight school, where I experienced the most rigorous training. Flight school tested my determination, adaptability and diligence every day. Receiving my Wings of Gold was the culmination of my efforts and sacrifices over those three years.”

Gallardo Valle 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 giving back to others,” Gallardo Valle said. “As an officer and naval aviator, I now have the opportunity to assume a leadership role and provide support for all the sailors I get to work with.”

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

“I would like to thank my beautiful wife, Juliana, first and foremost,” Gallardo Valle added. “She has been there every step of the way through my military journey. I also would like to thank my parents, Rosa and Darrel, for their unwavering support. My success wouldn’t be feasible without them.”