Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – As a member of the oldest Maritime Strike Squadron, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasan Williams is part of a Naval legacy. Williams is an aviation structural mechanic responsible for working on flight control and landing gear and is a part of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, which supports the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.
“I like the wide range of different parts of the aircraft we get to work on,” said Williams.
Williams is a 2011 Palmdale High School graduate and native of Palmdale, California.
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Palmdale.
“I learned to keep my head down and keep working,” said Williams. "It's important to keep learning, gaining experience and making yourself better."
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, Williams is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in October 2019.
“I helped our command pass the inspection with zero discrepancies,” said Williams.
For Williams, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Williams hopes to continue.
“My brother serves in the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, and my grandfather served in the Air Force,” said Williams. “It's an honor to have a connection based on our shared experiences of military service.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, 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.
“Fighting for freedom and what is right means a lot to me,” said Williams. "It's an earned privilege to serve."
Williams is a 2011 Palmdale High School graduate and native of Palmdale, California.
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Palmdale.
“I learned to keep my head down and keep working,” said Williams. "It's important to keep learning, gaining experience and making yourself better."
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, Williams is most proud of earning a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in October 2019.
“I helped our command pass the inspection with zero discrepancies,” said Williams.
For Williams, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Williams hopes to continue.
“My brother serves in the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia, and my grandfather served in the Air Force,” said Williams. “It's an honor to have a connection based on our shared experiences of military service.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Williams, 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.
“Fighting for freedom and what is right means a lot to me,” said Williams. "It's an earned privilege to serve."