Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2008 E.E. Smith High School graduate and Fayetteville, North Carolina, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. j.g. Jamel Lawson is a Navy officer serving with the Fleet Angels, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Knighthawk” helicopter.
A Navy lieutenant junior grade is responsible for training sailors to prepare for a variety of missions with the squadron’s aircraft.
Lawson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fayetteville.
“Always remain humble and don't forget where you come from,” said Lawson. “Those things ring true here in the Navy.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Lawson is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Lawson is most proud of earning an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin while enlisted, and an aviator badge as an officer.
“It's a small percent of the Navy population that puts in the work required to earn these,” said Lawson.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Lawson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lawson is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather did 24 years in the Army. Dad did eight years in the Air Force,” said Lawson. “The Navy found me.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Lawson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy allows me to invest my time into something bigger than myself, and use my position to influence others,” added Lawson.
A Navy lieutenant junior grade is responsible for training sailors to prepare for a variety of missions with the squadron’s aircraft.
Lawson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Fayetteville.
“Always remain humble and don't forget where you come from,” said Lawson. “Those things ring true here in the Navy.”
HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Lawson is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Lawson is most proud of earning an Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin while enlisted, and an aviator badge as an officer.
“It's a small percent of the Navy population that puts in the work required to earn these,” said Lawson.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Lawson, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Lawson is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather did 24 years in the Army. Dad did eight years in the Air Force,” said Lawson. “The Navy found me.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Lawson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy allows me to invest my time into something bigger than myself, and use my position to influence others,” added Lawson.