Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Airman Azalea Tillman-Floyd, a native of Sacramento, California, joined the Navy because her grandmother encouraged her to join. Now, four years later, Tillman-Floyd serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.
Tillman-Floyd is an aircraft handler who is responsible for launching and recovering aircrafts, supervising movements and spotting and securing aircrafts and equipment.
“I like that my job is very risky,” said Tillman-Floyd. “I like the adrenaline associated with it and just being out there.”
Tillman-Floyd is a 2014 George Washington Carver High School graduate.
According to Tillman-Floyd, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sacramento.
“I learned to never give up and believe in yourself even if other people don’t,” said Tillman-Floyd.
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.
Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed.
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. Tillman-Floyd is most proud of earning all her qualifications.
“I learned my job and got the qualifications needed to do my job,” said Tillman-Floyd. “I am proud because I didn’t think I would be able to do it after I had my daughter.”
Tillman-Floyd is the first to serve in her family and would potentially start a legacy of military service in her family.
“If my daughter wanted to serve, I would be supportive and if she didn’t, I would understand,” said Tillman-Floyd.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Tillman-Floyd, 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 providing freedom for other people,” said Tillman-Floyd. “It makes the long days and nights not being able to come home to my family worth it.”
“I like that my job is very risky,” said Tillman-Floyd. “I like the adrenaline associated with it and just being out there.”
Tillman-Floyd is a 2014 George Washington Carver High School graduate.
According to Tillman-Floyd, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sacramento.
“I learned to never give up and believe in yourself even if other people don’t,” said Tillman-Floyd.
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.
Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed.
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. Tillman-Floyd is most proud of earning all her qualifications.
“I learned my job and got the qualifications needed to do my job,” said Tillman-Floyd. “I am proud because I didn’t think I would be able to do it after I had my daughter.”
Tillman-Floyd is the first to serve in her family and would potentially start a legacy of military service in her family.
“If my daughter wanted to serve, I would be supportive and if she didn’t, I would understand,” said Tillman-Floyd.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Tillman-Floyd, 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 providing freedom for other people,” said Tillman-Floyd. “It makes the long days and nights not being able to come home to my family worth it.”