From Shirley to the sea

Navy Office of Community Outreach Petty Officer 1st Class Gabrielle Darlington, a native of Shirley, N.Y., serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Va.. Darlington graduated from William Floyd High School in 2005.

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

“I learned early on that I wanted more career opportunities and I did not want to commute to the city every day for work,” Darlington said.

Darlington joined the Navy 18 years ago. Today, Darlington serves as a personnel specialist.

“I joined the Navy after I finished my associate’s degree in criminal justice at Suffolk County Community College, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next,” Darlington said. “I participated in Navy Junior ROTC in high school, so it was always going to be the Navy.”
The “Sea Knights” of HSC-22 fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s versatile and most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics and medevac.

Darlington has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment has been seeing my sailors advance and do great things in their lives and careers,” Darlington said. “It is so rewarding to see that I have played a part in their success.”

This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.

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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“Serving in the Navy means I have proven I can do a lot more than I ever thought I could,” Darlington said. “It means I am resilient and durable. I am a survivor.”
Darlington is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents, John and Barbara, and my husband, Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Bryan Darlington, for always supporting me and being there through the hard times,” Darlington said. “I also want to thank my ‘Big Cheese’ chief, Chief Personnel Specialist (ret.) Jason Tillery, for being my mentor and fighting for me to be recognized for my work.”

Darlington is not sure what comes next for her and her family after the Navy, but she knows she will be ready for it.

“I plan on retiring in four years, and so does my husband,” Darlington said. “We are undecided about where we are going, but we have a camper, and we are going to just go and see what is out there for us.”