MAYPORT, Fla. - Airman Apprentice Andrew Lace, a native of Philadelphia, 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.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Lace, a 2022 graduate of North East High School, joined the Navy ten years ago.
“I joined for the educational opportunities and the benefits for my future family,” said Lace.
Today, Lace relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Philadelphia to succeed in the military.
“I learned to respect everybody and to always do my best and to take things with a ‘grain of salt,’” said Lace. "I learned that as long as you are giving your best effort, people will always appreciate you.”
These lessons have helped Lace 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 Lace 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 protects land, air and sea worldwide 24/7,” said Lace. “Sailors are the most versatile service members in any branch. We learn multiple jobs to provide better service to our country and to keep our commands mission-ready at all times.”
Lace and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making it this far to my command and graduating from my aviation schools,” said Lace. “Going through boot camp and ‘A’ and ‘C’ schools was not easy for some people. My graduating was an example of my hard work and persistence coming to fruition.”
As Lace and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It makes my family proud of me serving and I'm glad that I can assist my fellow pilots and co-workers in helping to get the mission complete,” said Lace.
Lace is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank all my family, friends and co-workers for all their support and guidance,” said Lace.
“I would like to further my education into either the medical or engineering field by using my financial assistance from the Navy,” added Lace.