Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Miami Coral Park Senior High School graduate and Miami native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Airman Nayran Fernandez is a Naval aircrewman 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 Naval aircrewman is a search and rescue swimmer responsible for flying in the back of helicopters for any possible search and rescue missions.
Fernandez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Miami.
“You can accomplish anything with hard work,” said Fernandez. “It has been instilled in me since I was little.”
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.
Fernandez 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, Fernandez is most proud of earning the Rescue Swimmer Certificate.
“I joined to become a rescue swimmer so being able to achieve that goal meant a lot,” said Fernandez.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Fernandez 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 a great deal to me,” added Fernandez. “I am a part of something much bigger than myself and I am able to make an impact.”
A Naval aircrewman is a search and rescue swimmer responsible for flying in the back of helicopters for any possible search and rescue missions.
Fernandez credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Miami.
“You can accomplish anything with hard work,” said Fernandez. “It has been instilled in me since I was little.”
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.
Fernandez 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, Fernandez is most proud of earning the Rescue Swimmer Certificate.
“I joined to become a rescue swimmer so being able to achieve that goal meant a lot,” said Fernandez.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Fernandez 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 a great deal to me,” added Fernandez. “I am a part of something much bigger than myself and I am able to make an impact.”