NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob VanCampen, a native of Holcomb, Kansas, 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 |
VanCampen joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, VanCampen serves as an aviation electronics technician.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said VanCampen. "I wanted to have an adventure while I was still young. Before I joined the Navy, I'd never left Kansas."
Vancampen attended Holcomb High School and graduated in 2010.
Skills and values similar to those found in Holcomb are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned a strong work ethic in Holcomb,” said VanCampen. "In a small town, everyone works. I'd been helping my father since I was 10 years old, and that drive and willingness to work hard has helped me throughout my Navy career."
These lessons have helped VanCampen 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, VanCampen 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 protect the seas and secure the maritime trade lanes,” said VanCampen. "We also project a sense of power all over the world wherever we're needed."
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."
VanCampen and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Getting selected to the Ceremonial Guard in Washington was a huge honor,” said VanCampen. "I was a casket bearer at Arlington National Cemetery and served at a presidential inauguration and other ceremonies. It was the best two years I've had so far in the Navy."
As VanCampen 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 gives me a sense of pride,” said VanCampen. "It means I get to be a part of something bigger than myself."
VanCampen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad for all his support,” added VanCampen. "He was so proud when I joined the Navy."