MAYPORT, Fla. - Airman Reid Miller, a native of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, based out of Mayport, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Miller, a 2015 graduate of IMG Academy, joined the Navy over two years ago. Additionally, Miller earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Montana.
Miller joined the Navy over two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to serve a higher purpose than myself,” said Miller. "I also wanted to feel self-fulfilled but the main reason is to give back to the country that has given so much to us."
Today, Miller relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Hollidaysburg to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in a small town, I learned discipline and humility,” said Miller. "Just being motivated toward a goal and relentlessly pursuing that, can help you achieve that goal."
These lessons have helped Miller while serving in the Navy.
HSM 40 flies the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The MH-60R is a twin-engine helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations, according to Navy officials.
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 Miller 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.
“We are the world's largest maritime force and that helps us protect our ideals of democracy and freedom,” said Miller.
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being able to get up every day and do a job that I love with people who I enjoy working with who all have the same goal,” said Miller.
As Miller 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 is very a rewarding experience,” said Miller. "It's about putting your morals, beliefs and values into action on a daily basis."
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Lainey, my parents, Robert and Marybeth, and my brothers, Geordan and Eric, for supporting me through this entire journey,” added Miller.
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 Miller 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.
“We are the world's largest maritime force and that helps us protect our ideals of democracy and freedom,” said Miller.
Miller and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being able to get up every day and do a job that I love with people who I enjoy working with who all have the same goal,” said Miller.
As Miller 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 is very a rewarding experience,” said Miller. "It's about putting your morals, beliefs and values into action on a daily basis."
Miller is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Lainey, my parents, Robert and Marybeth, and my brothers, Geordan and Eric, for supporting me through this entire journey,” added Miller.