MAYPORT, Fla. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Latreyveon Mitchell, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, 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 |
Mitchell, a 2014 graduate of McCluer High School, joined the Navy nine years ago.
“I wanted a new challenge in life and a new change of environment,” said Mitchell.
Today, Mitchell relies upon skills and values similar to those found in St. Louis to succeed in the military.
“Missouri is known as the ‘Show-Me State,’ and I've always been proud of this slogan,” said Mitchell. “So I’ve always wanted to show the best of my abilities and my quality of work.”
These lessons have helped Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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.
“We are the first line of defense in maintaining the security of our coasts and protecting the ideals of freedom and democracy all around the world,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is completing my first deployment which I was gone for eight months,” said Mitchell. “Being gone for eight months and not being kept up to date with my surroundings back at home was an extremely difficult challenge.”
As Mitchell 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 you can have many challenges, and overcoming these on a daily basis makes me a better person and sailor,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my grandmother, Shirley Doll, for setting the foundation for me,” said Mitchell. "She taught me discipline and the drive needed always to put my best foot forward."
“My personal goal is to make petty officer first class, so I can be a leader and mentor to junior sailors,” added Mitchell.