MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Dickinson, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, 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 |
Dickinson, a 2016 graduate of James Clemens High School, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I ran out of options,” said Dickinson. "I was working construction and realized that it wasn't what I wanted to do."
Today, Dickinson relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Huntsville to succeed in the military.
“I learned from my hometown that it is really easy to fall into bad situations and get stuck,” said Dickinson. "What I learned in Huntsville taught me to keep moving forward and to maintain a positive attitude."
These lessons have helped Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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 vital in maintaining open commerce lanes, which allows the country to enjoy our way of life,” said Dickinson.
Dickinson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was getting air warfare qualified before I made petty officer third class,” said Dickinson. "I really stayed on top of things and kept to my personal timeline."
As Dickinson 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 a legacy for me,” said Dickinson. "Almost everyone in my family has served in the military and practically all in the Navy."
Dickinson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my dad,” added Dickinson. "He steered me away from the Army and led me to the Navy."