Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2007 homeschool graduate and Iowa City, Iowa, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. Paul Nelson is a Navy instructor pilot 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 instructor pilot is responsible for training the next generation of MH-60S pilots.
Nelson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Iowa City.
“I learned the importance of hard work and perseverance along with the value of treating people with respect,” said Nelson.
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 like the people I work with,” said Nelson. “I think the mission we do is very exciting. The training mission is important for what the military does and is. Having the opportunity to make sure people can execute their mission effectively overseas is exciting.”
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.
Nelson 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, Nelson is most proud of being part of the 2017 Aircrew of the Year.
“We did disaster relief in the Caribbean,” said Nelson. “It is something I look back on as the most rewarding work I have done with the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nelson 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 an opportunity to give something back,” added Nelson. “I have been very fortunate in my life. Being able to put a little bit of myself towards something I care about is a privilege.”
A Navy instructor pilot is responsible for training the next generation of MH-60S pilots.
Nelson credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Iowa City.
“I learned the importance of hard work and perseverance along with the value of treating people with respect,” said Nelson.
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 like the people I work with,” said Nelson. “I think the mission we do is very exciting. The training mission is important for what the military does and is. Having the opportunity to make sure people can execute their mission effectively overseas is exciting.”
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.
Nelson 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, Nelson is most proud of being part of the 2017 Aircrew of the Year.
“We did disaster relief in the Caribbean,” said Nelson. “It is something I look back on as the most rewarding work I have done with the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nelson 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 an opportunity to give something back,” added Nelson. “I have been very fortunate in my life. Being able to put a little bit of myself towards something I care about is a privilege.”