MAYPORT, Fla. - Airman Diego Escutia, a native of San Diego, California, 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.
Escutia, a 2016 graduate of Chula Vista High School, joined the Navy less than one year ago.
“I always wanted to join the Navy since I was a little kid and to do something that matters,” said Escutia. "My weight originally kept me from joining so I made a change and got myself into shape."
Today, Escutia relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“I learned in my hometown to always keep my family close,” said Escutia. "You always have to trust people and here, it's about trusting your team as a family."
These lessons have helped Escutia 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 Escutia 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 keeping trade lines open,” said Escutia. "Free trade is the bloodline of the world and without the Navy, we would not be able to function as a society."
Escutia and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of graduating boot camp,” said Escutia. "I remember getting pushed by my Recruit Division Commanders to be better and I wanted to be proud of myself."
As Escutia 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 giving back to the country,” said Escutia. "We work long hours, but it's gratifying to see the results of our efforts and realize what it means to serve. Given the current state of the world, joining the Navy was a way for me to do my part to make it a better place.”
Escutia is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank God,” added Escutia. "I'd also like to thank my family and my friends."