MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Erik Ward, a native of Long Pond, 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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Ward, a 2008 graduate of Pocono Mt. West High School, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy out to get out of my hometown, to travel and see the world,” said Ward. "I wanted to be able to see what other opportunities there were out there for me."
Today, Ward relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Long Pond to succeed in the military.
“I learned that leaving the typical norms will help you develop yourself and force you to grow in ways that saying home just can't do,” said Ward.
These lessons have helped Ward 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 Ward 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 U.S. Navy supports national defense by providing maritime security around the world,” said Ward.
Ward and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of making petty officer second class, appearing on ESPN and seeing my first port visit,” said Ward. "It has given me the feeling of doing some real traveling."
As Ward 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 a whole lot to me,” said Ward. "Without the Navy, I would probably be in my hometown struggling or doing the same thing as everyone else I knew."
Ward is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, Elizabeth, and dad, Bruce, for their support and encouragement to join,” added Ward. "Most of all, I would like to thank my old physical fitness trainer, Darren, for pushing me to be where I need to be physically in preparation for boot camp."
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 Ward 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 U.S. Navy supports national defense by providing maritime security around the world,” said Ward.
Ward and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of making petty officer second class, appearing on ESPN and seeing my first port visit,” said Ward. "It has given me the feeling of doing some real traveling."
As Ward 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 a whole lot to me,” said Ward. "Without the Navy, I would probably be in my hometown struggling or doing the same thing as everyone else I knew."
Ward is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my mom, Elizabeth, and dad, Bruce, for their support and encouragement to join,” added Ward. "Most of all, I would like to thank my old physical fitness trainer, Darren, for pushing me to be where I need to be physically in preparation for boot camp."