MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. j.g. Andrew Hessi, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Hessi, a 2015 graduate of St. John Vianney High School and a 2019 graduate University of Mississippi, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I am the first person in my family to join the military,” said Hessi. "I always felt the calling to do something to serve my country and the Navy was the answer to a lot of those callings."
Today, Hessi relies upon skills and values similar to those found in St. Louis to succeed in the military.
“I worked construction in St. Louis and learned a lot about having a strong work ethic,” said Hessi. "It taught me a lot of life lessons that have carried over to the Navy like staying humble and understanding you're never too big to do a job."
These lessons have helped Hessi 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 Hessi 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 contributes to the national defense through its people,” said Hessi. "The expectations, standards and training are evident in the people who serve; they are the best and the brightest of any military in the world."
Hessi and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was earning my ‘Wings of Gold’ for sure,” said Hessi. "Becoming a part of the naval aviation community is my proudest accomplishment and I can't wait to see where it takes me."
As Hessi 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 all of those people who have supported me along the way,” said Hessi. "Serving is also a way for me to honor my dad, Bill, who passed away before I joined the Navy."
Hessi is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I like to thank my, Kathryn, who has sacrificed so much to join me on this journey and I couldn't have done it without her,” added Hessi. "I would also like to thank all my family and friends who continue to encourage and be there for Kathyrn and me."