NORFOLK, Va. - Seaman Jayson Mancuso, a native of Woodbridge, 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 |
Mancuso joined the Navy almost one year ago. Today, Mancuso serves as a yeoman.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” said Mancuso. "I also didn't want to go to college right away. I wanted to get real-world experience first, and I knew the military could give me something college couldn't."
Skills and values similar to those found in Woodbridge are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to be positive in any situation,” said Mancuso. “Being nice and positive helped me make good connections.”
These lessons have helped Mancuso 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, Mancuso 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 United States and the maritime sea lanes,” said Mancuso.
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."
Mancuso and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been training newer sailors and supporting them in their careers,” said Mancuso.
As Mancuso and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy gives me a sense of purpose,” said Mancuso. "It gives me structure in my life. I'm not just running around aimlessly."
Mancuso is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my brother,” added Mancuso. “He was one of my biggest supporters when I joined the Navy.”