NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Kanan Miller, a native of Canoga Park, California, supports versatile missions while serving at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.
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Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Terah Bryant, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Miller joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Miller serves as an aviation rescue swimmer.
“I joined to be a part of something bigger and to carry on the legacy of military service within my family,” said Miller.
Miller attended Chatsworth High School and graduated in 2016.
Skills and values similar to those found in Canoga Park are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in Canoga Park to be resilient and to keep moving forward, even when there may be setbacks or challenges,” said Miller.
These lessons have helped Miller while serving with the Navy.
Members of HSC 2 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. In general, some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
As a member of the Navy, Miller is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“We occupy the ocean and project power all over the world to protect the United States and secure freedom of the seas,” said Miller.
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud that I completed the rescue swimmer training pipeline,” said Miller. "It was challenging but a lot of fun."
As Miller and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of a bigger fighting force working towards the same goal while ultimately providing for our families,” said Miller.
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father for all of his encouragement to serve,” added Miller. "He was an Army Ranger and reminded me that if he could do it, I could do it."