MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. Peter Shelton, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, 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 |
Shelton, a 2013 graduate of Woodberry Forest High School, joined the Navy six years ago.
Additionally, Shelton graduated from Cornell University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
“I joined for the educational opportunities and being a part of something bigger than myself was very appealing,” said Shelton. “I'm very patriotic, and I wanted to represent my country in defense of our freedoms.”
Today, Shelton relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Kansas City to succeed in the military.
“My parents taught me perseverance and a relentless work ethic,” said Shelton.
These lessons have helped Shelton 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 Shelton 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.
“Our Navy is important to national defense for freedom of navigation in making sure our seas remain open to trading and maintaining the essence of peace worldwide,” said Shelton.
Shelton and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being a division officer at my previous command HSM 49 on North Island in San Diego,” said Shelton. “I was able to form meaningful relationships with both our maintainers and aircrewman. They taught me the most important lessons in being a naval officer.”
As Shelton and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy is important to me because it offers opportunities for us as sailors and as individuals to all serve as a whole,” said Shelton. “I enjoy being a part of the tradition of service to this country.”
Shelton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, John and Lucy Shelton,” said Shelton. "My father gave me a lot of guidance. He was a Navy pilot and retired as a commander. My mother has been unequivocally supportive and invested in my career. I would also like to thank my wife, Nicole, who has been with me through all the highs and lows and has always been by my side at all times. She always reminds me of what's important in life.”
“I hope to progress as a pilot, tactician and naval officer,” added Shelton. “I'm so excited to be in Jacksonville and to start my next chapter in my naval career as an instructor pilot.”