Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Grove City native supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron

By Lt. j.g. Wendlberger, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO - Airman Nicholas Minic, a native of Grove City, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 71.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter,
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West


Minic graduated from Grove City High School in 2020.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Grove City.

“Work ethic,” Minic said. "Growing up in a smaller town we emphasized the value of hard work in the community. This has applied daily to the Navy where hard work always leads to success."

Minic joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Minic serves as an aviation ordnanceman.

“I was in Navy JROTC in High School,” Minic said. "After learning the foundational knowledge of the Navy I realized I would join the Navy seamlessly. I didn't have a steady career prior to the military and the Navy provided me the opportunity to have stability and professional development. I chose aviation ordinance because of the opportunity to work in a community not accessible to the civilians."

Members of HSM-71 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.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Minic has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Staying committed throughout my time in service,” Minic said. "Throughout my time in service, I have remained diligent in providing the best product every day. In doing so I have found recognition amongst my peers and my command."

Minic serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“Giving back to those who served in the past,” Minic said. "I had family members who came before me who laid down their lives for us. Both my dad and stepdad served in their lives and the opportunity to carry their legacy forward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Minic is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“My Wife, Brianna Minic, first and foremost,” Minic added. "She has been the backbone of our family. My in-laws Marcia Given and Michael Given. My mother and father and my chief and commander at my JROTC unit. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without them. Lastly, my recruiting station guided me to the job I have today. They took the time to ensure I was given the best opportunities in the Navy."“Shoutout to the buds group,” Minic said. "Although I don't always see my family I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I have had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. From loading torpedos and hellfire missiles on the helicopters to mounting the guns on the MH-60R, I have stories I never thought I would have the opportunity to tell.