MAYPORT, Fla. - Airman Josh Busick, 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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green |
Busick, a 2016 graduate of Torrey Pines High School, joined the Navy two years ago. Additionally, Busick graduated from Embry Riddle University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country, make my family proud and be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Busick.
Today, Busick relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“Being from a big military town like San Diego, I learned that service is important,” said Busick. “My parents also instilled in me a hard work ethic and taught me that anything can be accomplished with effort and perseverance.”
These lessons have helped Busick 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 Busick 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.
“It's important for the rest of the world to see Navy ships and the security they bring regarding worldwide trade,” said Busick.
Busick and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from rescue swimmer school,” said Busick.” It laid a foundation for my naval career in aviation. If I didn't make it, I wouldn't be an aircrewman.”
As Busick and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means service before self and commitment to a greater cause,” said Busick. “It also means a lot to be able to protect my family.”
Busick is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to my parents, Ron and Cathy Busick, and my brothers, Brian and Brad,” said Busick. “They have always been very supportive of everything that I have done in the Navy.”
“My goal is to go to flight school and earn a commission as a naval aviator,” added Busick.