SAN DIEGO, CA – Lt. Cmdr. J.P. McCabe, a native of Flanders, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35.
McCabe graduated from Pope John High School in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Flanders.
“Coming from a very diverse hometown with a lot of different demographics made it easier to adjust in the Navy,” said McCabe. “I learned to appreciate and be fascinated by everyone I work with, where they came from and their background. It helps me get to know them better and ultimately work better together. It gives us more to bond over. I also played sports all through high school and loved being part of a team.”
McCabe joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, McCabe serves as a helicopter pilot.
“Growing up around New York City and being around people who had families affected by Sept. 11, I always had a sense that I wanted to serve my country and give back to others,” said McCabe. ”While getting an education at the University of Notre Dame, I joined ROTC and learned all about what the Navy had to offer. I also enjoyed the camaraderie I felt during my time there.”
Members of HSM 35 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.”
McCabe has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud to say that in my 12 years, I have been able to grow to the rank that I am,” said McCabe. “I enjoy being in the position I am, knowing and seeing the difference I make with my junior sailors. I am also very grateful for my time as an instructor and being fortunate to stay in the service long enough to now work alongside my previous students.”
McCabe 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 commitment,” said McCabe. “We as sailors are patriots with pride for the American spirit and work every day for the betterment of our country. Navy sailors are apolitical workers whose only mission is to grow and improve every day to protect and defend the American homeland.”
McCabe is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Bridget, for being my rock,” added McCabe. “We just welcomed our first child together and they have given me a renewed sense of purpose. I continue to fight harder, stronger and longer for them.”
McCabe offered a word of advice for anyone considering a path in the Navy.
“In life, there are easy choices and hard choices,” said McCabe. “Being in the Navy may, at times, seem like the hard choice, but if you or anyone you know wants to grow like you could never imagine and learn skills found nowhere else, the Navy can be that outlet and chance for you to make something of yourself that you can look back on with pride.”
