MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Cody Bond, a native of Newark, Ohio, 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 |
Bond, a 2006 graduate of Licking Valley High School, joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to become more and give myself better opportunities,” said Bond. "I saw more options in the Navy than I did at home."
Today, Bond relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Newark to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me that history has value and we should use that value to adapt to change,” said Bond. "I also learned the importance of change, having new experiences and respecting people.”
These lessons have helped Bond 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 Bond 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 providing a forward presence that helps to bring stabilization around the world,” said Bond.
Bond and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest moment was helping to save the lives of 16 partner forces as a result of an improvised explosive device explosion in 2018 in Somalia,” said Bond. "Not only were we able to evacuate the injured, but I was also able to donate my own blood to help save some of the wounded."
As Bond and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means making sacrifices for others,” said Bond. "The Navy is a collective group working together for the same goal.”
Bond is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Brush,” added Bond. "He helped me for almost half of my career and helped me when I did special warfare support."