Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2010 York County School of Technology graduate and York, Pennsylvania, 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 1st Class Namibia Nguyen is a Navy legalman 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 legalman is responsible for processing legal correspondence, jury summons, administrative separations and any legal matters for the squadron.
Nguyen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in York.
“Growing up I really developed thick skin,” said Nguyen. “It has helped me in the Navy to not give up when things become challenging.”
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.
Nguyen 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, Nguyen is most proud of being advanced to first class petty officer.
“It was good timing because I just had my daughter,” said Nguyen. “The responsibility of being a first class taught me a lot. I learned as I went and it taught me about leadership.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Nguyen, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Nguyen is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My stepfather was in the Army as well as my brother,” said Nguyen. “My little sister is currently serving in the Army. My brother really influenced me because he showed me that the military could really benefit me. I enjoyed hearing about the experiences he was sharing.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen 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 stability and a career,” added Nguyen. “I enjoy serving my country and doing better things for the country.”
A Navy legalman is responsible for processing legal correspondence, jury summons, administrative separations and any legal matters for the squadron.
Nguyen credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in York.
“Growing up I really developed thick skin,” said Nguyen. “It has helped me in the Navy to not give up when things become challenging.”
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.
Nguyen 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, Nguyen is most proud of being advanced to first class petty officer.
“It was good timing because I just had my daughter,” said Nguyen. “The responsibility of being a first class taught me a lot. I learned as I went and it taught me about leadership.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Nguyen, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Nguyen is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My stepfather was in the Army as well as my brother,” said Nguyen. “My little sister is currently serving in the Army. My brother really influenced me because he showed me that the military could really benefit me. I enjoyed hearing about the experiences he was sharing.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Nguyen 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 stability and a career,” added Nguyen. “I enjoy serving my country and doing better things for the country.”