NORFOLK, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Morgan Way, a native of Frederick, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Frederick.
"My hometown taught me work ethic and learning how to be disciplined," Way said. "I wrestled in high school, and that was one of the biggest influences on who I am today. It taught me to fight through pain and instilled in me the resilience to finish what I started and never give up."
Way joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Way serves as a naval aircrewman (helicopter).
"I’ve always wanted to do something exciting, and becoming a rescue swimmer was my goal," Way said. "I joined the U.S. Navy with the sole purpose of making that dream a reality and serving in that role."
Members of HSC-5 fly and maintain the MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter within Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7). The MH-60S's primary missions are Search and Rescue, Naval Special Warfare Support and Anti-Surface Warfare. Additional missions include logistic support, vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, non-combatant evacuation operations and maritime interdiction operations. In short, HSC-5 "Rescues, Protects and Delivers!"
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.
Way has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"I am proud of earning my utility qualification and becoming a certified rescue swimmer," Way said. "The U.S. Navy's rescue swimmer pipeline is one of the toughest and most respected in the military. Overcoming the challenges to earn my qualification as a rescue swimmer is something I hold as one of my proudest achievements. It's a testament to my perseverance and dedication."
Way serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
"Serving in the U.S. Navy means I have the opportunity to protect my fellow shipmates and ensure the safety of my loved ones back home," Way said.
Way is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
"First off, I want to thank my mom and dad for raising me into the man I am today,” Way added. “I also want to thank my wife, Taylor, for being the rock at home while I’m out doing my job. It takes sacrifice on both sides, and she does an amazing job."