Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Airman Recruit Lanya Johnson is a part of a Naval legacy. Johnson is an aviation structural mechanic who is responsible for helicopter maintenance. She is currently serving at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“My favorite part of my job is actually getting my hands dirty and working with different chemicals,” said Johnson.
Johnson is a 2019 Cedar Grove High School graduate and native of Indianapolis.
According to Johnson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Indianapolis.
“Indianapolis taught me how to work with people who have a different way of going about things,” said Johnson.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.
The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.
HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Johnson is most proud of joining the Navy and not working a nine-to-five job like the rest of her family.
“I always get the opportunity to actually help people and protect them,” said Johnson.
Johnson is the first person to serve in the military in her family.
“I am doing something no one else in my family thought about doing,” said Johnson. “I was focused, saw the end goal and I pushed through all the challenges that were coming towards me. I want my family to know they have the opportunity to do something else.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Johnson, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to protect my country no matter where I am located,” said Johnson. “It also means I hold some type of importance in saving lives.”
Johnson is a 2019 Cedar Grove High School graduate and native of Indianapolis.
According to Johnson, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Indianapolis.
“Indianapolis taught me how to work with people who have a different way of going about things,” said Johnson.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Sailors assigned to HSM-71 are a part of history, flying with “Romeo” helicopters, the newest and most advanced in the fleet. Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations.
The members of HSM-71 achieve excellence in military performance and create an example for other squadrons to follow through operational readiness, innovation and weapon development.
HSM-71 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. However, Johnson is most proud of joining the Navy and not working a nine-to-five job like the rest of her family.
“I always get the opportunity to actually help people and protect them,” said Johnson.
Johnson is the first person to serve in the military in her family.
“I am doing something no one else in my family thought about doing,” said Johnson. “I was focused, saw the end goal and I pushed through all the challenges that were coming towards me. I want my family to know they have the opportunity to do something else.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Johnson, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy means being able to protect my country no matter where I am located,” said Johnson. “It also means I hold some type of importance in saving lives.”