Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2018 Rockdale County High School graduate and Conyers, Georgia, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Airman Recruit Tamara Metts is a Navy aircrew survival equiptmentman 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 aircrew survival equiptmentman is responsible for maintaining pilot and aircrew gear for safety requirements.
Metts credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Conyers.
“I was taught to follow the rules growing up,” said Metts. “If I don't follow the rules I wouldn't be able to be in the Navy. I am just starting my career which is important to me.”
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.
“I am looking forward to earning my wings while I am serving here,” said Metts. “I really want to be the best survival equipmentman I can.”
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.
Metts 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.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Metts, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Metts is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My sister is in the Army,” said Metts. “Being able to see her leave and become a better person, someone who could even buy her own house, really influenced me. She encouraged me to not stay in the same circumstances that I was in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Metts and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am helping my country and myself,” added Metts. “It's a win-win situation for me.”
A Navy aircrew survival equiptmentman is responsible for maintaining pilot and aircrew gear for safety requirements.
Metts credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Conyers.
“I was taught to follow the rules growing up,” said Metts. “If I don't follow the rules I wouldn't be able to be in the Navy. I am just starting my career which is important to me.”
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.
“I am looking forward to earning my wings while I am serving here,” said Metts. “I really want to be the best survival equipmentman I can.”
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.
Metts 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.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Metts, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Metts is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My sister is in the Army,” said Metts. “Being able to see her leave and become a better person, someone who could even buy her own house, really influenced me. She encouraged me to not stay in the same circumstances that I was in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Metts and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am helping my country and myself,” added Metts. “It's a win-win situation for me.”