MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Baker, a native of Port Saint Lucie, 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 |
Baker, a 2015 graduate of Treasure Coast High School, joined the Navy over seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the benefits and opportunities the military provides,” said Baker.
Today, Baker relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Port Saint Lucie to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned to treat everyone with respect and to treat people how you want to be treated,” said Baker.
These lessons have helped Baker 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 Baker 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 being a forward force for good in open waters,” said Baker. “Having an American presence around the world helps keep the peace.”
Baker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of earning all three of my warfare devices before I even had an assigned job in the Navy,” said Baker. "I'm also proud of not taking no for an answer when I was told I couldn't get the job I wanted in the Navy. I kept trying and had to apply over nine times before I got accepted."
As Baker 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 dedicating yourself to something bigger than yourself,” said Baker. "It's about always having the honor, courage and commitment in times of need."
Baker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Kaitlyn, and my daughter, Aspen, for always keeping me grounded,” added Baker. "I would also like to thank everyone in my chain of command for supporting me and making me the sailor I am today."
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 Baker 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 being a forward force for good in open waters,” said Baker. “Having an American presence around the world helps keep the peace.”
Baker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of earning all three of my warfare devices before I even had an assigned job in the Navy,” said Baker. "I'm also proud of not taking no for an answer when I was told I couldn't get the job I wanted in the Navy. I kept trying and had to apply over nine times before I got accepted."
As Baker 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 dedicating yourself to something bigger than yourself,” said Baker. "It's about always having the honor, courage and commitment in times of need."
Baker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Kaitlyn, and my daughter, Aspen, for always keeping me grounded,” added Baker. "I would also like to thank everyone in my chain of command for supporting me and making me the sailor I am today."