MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. j.g. Eddie King, a native of Panama City, Florida, 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 |
King, a 2015 graduate of Crawford Mosley High School, joined the Navy three years ago. Additionally, King earned a degree from the University of Florida in 2019.
“I joined the Navy to follow in the footsteps of my many relatives that have served this country but specifically, I wanted to be in naval aviation,” said King. "My grandfather was a Naval Flight Officer on P-3s, and hearing all the stories of his travels to a multitude of countries, inspired me to want to make my own stories traveling the world and making lifelong friendships in the squadrons I serve in.”
Today, King relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Panama City to succeed in the military.
“I learned a lot while attending school in Panama City,” said King. “Many teachers taught me to study hard, to be prepared and read ahead. This has continued to benefit me throughout my time in flight school and learning about my latest aircraft the MH-60 Romeo. Another important lesson I learned from my hometown after Hurricane Michael hit, was resiliency and coming together to help your neighbors out. This was on full display after a Category 5 hurricane impacted my hometown while I was away at the University of Florida. These traits have been critical during my time in flight school. In both primary and Advanced Rotary flight training, you need to be resilient and accept help from your fellow classmates, and be willing to support them if they need help studying or doing a practice simulation.”
These lessons have helped King 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 King 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 at the forefront of national defense by maintaining a constant forward presence and supporting our allies across the globe,” said King.
King 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 King. "After spending a little under three years in Pensacola, I went through difficult training in both simulators and in the aircraft while constantly being evaluated."
As King and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
As King 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 has been a very rewarding experience, especially as a student of history,” said King. "I enjoy being able to experience all the military traditions and history that surround the Navy and seeing veterans light up when they see you in uniform and excitedly regale you with their many sea stories."
King is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all my friends and family who have supported my dream of joining the Navy since I was little,” added King. "I would also like to thank all the people who have helped me or been there for me throughout all of flight school, including after the bad flights and the celebrations after passed check rides."
King is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all my friends and family who have supported my dream of joining the Navy since I was little,” added King. "I would also like to thank all the people who have helped me or been there for me throughout all of flight school, including after the bad flights and the celebrations after passed check rides."