NORFOLK, Va. - Airman John Odorisio, a native of Newport News, Virginia, 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 |
Odorisio joined the Navy a little under two years ago. Today, Odorisio serves as a naval aircrewman helicopter.
“My grandfathers served in the U.S. Air Force and even though I joined the Navy, I still wanted to continue a family tradition of military service,” said Odorisio.
Skills and values similar to those found in Newport News are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I did a lot of landscape and construction jobs growing up which taught me the value of having a good work ethic and showing up on time,” said Odorisio. “Showing people that you have a good work ethic paves the way for you. It is important to be a role model for sailors so they can be better service members. I make the Navy better through my actions.”
These lessons have helped Odorisio 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, Odorisio 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.
“The Navy is a global force that protects the United States from maritime threats,” said Odorisio.
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."
Odorisio and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is completing rescue swimmer school and being able to help others around me,” said Odorisio. “I am proud of that because it took discipline to keep myself studying on the weekends and to stay in shape. Completing the school also made my dad proud.”
As Odorisio 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 a role model to my future kids and being something they can look up to one day,” said Odorisio.
Odorisio is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad, Carl Odorisio, because he has always been there to give me good advice,” added Odorisio. “It has been a long journey so far, but he has pushed me and has let me know everything will be okay. He has definitely been my biggest fan. I would also like to thank my wife, Joan, because she has always been supportive and never complained when we have moved.”