Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 Escambia High School graduate and Pensacola, Florida, 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. Lauren Burns 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.
As a Navy pilot, Burns is responsible for flying helicopters that are the Navy's version of a Blackhawk.
Burns credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Pensacola.
“You get out what you put into it in aviation,” said Burns.
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.
Burns 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, Burns is most proud of earning aviator wings.
“It's a lot of hard work and late nights. When it’s all done it, the effort is cultivated into one symbol,” said Burns.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burns, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burns is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was an aircraft maintainer for the Blue Angels. It was definitely part of my decision to join and pursue my profession,” said Burns.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Burns and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It's two-way, serving and giving back. There are so many different people who come together to form a cohesive unit here,” added Burns.
As a Navy pilot, Burns is responsible for flying helicopters that are the Navy's version of a Blackhawk.
Burns credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Pensacola.
“You get out what you put into it in aviation,” said Burns.
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.
Burns 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, Burns is most proud of earning aviator wings.
“It's a lot of hard work and late nights. When it’s all done it, the effort is cultivated into one symbol,” said Burns.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Burns, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Burns is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather was an aircraft maintainer for the Blue Angels. It was definitely part of my decision to join and pursue my profession,” said Burns.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Burns and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“It's two-way, serving and giving back. There are so many different people who come together to form a cohesive unit here,” added Burns.