JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class DaZhae Herrington, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves with Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 based out of Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
Herrington, a 2019 graduate of Langston Hughes High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy originally for a career as an enlisted sailor in the health care field,” said Herrington. "Now that I’m in I am going to attempt to go the officer route."
Today, Dazhae relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Atlanta to succeed in the military.
“Growing up I learned to be strong, headstrong and how to stand alone,” said Herrington. "It helped me to be a stronger leader and build up people around me."
These lessons have helped Herrington while serving in the Navy.
VP 45 flies the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft. Designed to secure the U.S. Navy’s future in long-range maritime patrol capability, the P-8A has transformed how the Navy’s maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy, according to Navy officials. While the aircraft is also equipped with high-quality weapon systems, it also has an open architecture to allow for expansion. P-8A deploy around the globe to monitor the world’s oceans wherever they are needed.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; one year later six of them, known as "The First Six," earned their “Wings of Gold.” Over the past 50 years, the Navy has expanded its roles for women to lead and serve globally and today our women aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aircraft. Our Nation and our Navy is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Herrington is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we have enemies on land and sea,” said Herrington. "We protect the freedoms of our loved ones."
Herrington and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of both of my junior sailors advancing in rank within a year of me becoming their mentor,” said Herrington. "It shows me how great of a leader I am and filled me with confidence moving forward."
As Dazhae and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I can go to sleep at night knowing my family is well protected,” said Herrington. "It has shown me how strong I am and that I am capable of things a lot of people aren’t."
Herrington is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my friends,” added Herrington. "They have helped me realize the strength and power I have."