Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2005 Century High School graduate and Eldersburg, Maryland, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Marick is a Navy naval aircrewman (helicopter) 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 naval aircrewman (helicopter) is responsible for acting as a rescue swimmer while flying in a helicopter. They are the safety valve if something goes wrong during the mission.
Marick credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Eldersburg.
“Be meticulous and things will pay off in the end,” said Marick. “Always keep that head up no matter what’s happening.”
The squadron 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 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.
Marick 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, Marick is most proud of getting fully qualified as an aircrewman in under 100 days.
“I checked into my first command green, with two ribbons and left with ten,” said Marick. “I got what I needed done.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Marick, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Marick is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was in World War II. He was on four Navy ships that were sunk,” said Marick. “I also had an older brother who was in the Navy. He was an influence. He made chief in nine years and enjoyed his time in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Marick and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a job I love," added Marick. "I support both my family and my country.”
A Navy naval aircrewman (helicopter) is responsible for acting as a rescue swimmer while flying in a helicopter. They are the safety valve if something goes wrong during the mission.
Marick credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Eldersburg.
“Be meticulous and things will pay off in the end,” said Marick. “Always keep that head up no matter what’s happening.”
The squadron 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 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.
Marick 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, Marick is most proud of getting fully qualified as an aircrewman in under 100 days.
“I checked into my first command green, with two ribbons and left with ten,” said Marick. “I got what I needed done.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Marick, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Marick is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was in World War II. He was on four Navy ships that were sunk,” said Marick. “I also had an older brother who was in the Navy. He was an influence. He made chief in nine years and enjoyed his time in.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Marick and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a job I love," added Marick. "I support both my family and my country.”