MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. j.g. Raymond Tallarini, a native of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, 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 |
Tallarini, a 2016 graduate of Trinity School at River Ridge, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to fly and I wanted to serve my country, so serving in the Navy I get to do both,” said Tallarini.
Today, Tallarini relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Inver Grove Heights to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I had a really good cross-country coach who always told us 'You know what you need to do, just keep moving forward,’” said Tallarini. “That really helped me a lot at the Naval Academy. In my small school, there was a large focus community and that has also helped me be successful in the Navy."
These lessons have helped Tallarini 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 Tallarini 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 supports national defense by enforcing the freedom of navigation around the world,” said Tallarini. "We also assist in counter-smuggling operations."
Tallarini and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy so far has been earning my “Wings of Gold,”’ said Tallarini. "There is a number assigned to every helicopter pilot and being a part of that long-held tradition makes me proud."
As Tallarini 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 being a professional and being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Tallarini.
Tallarini is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Rachel and Tom, for their support through college and even today,” added Tallarini.