Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Aurora native serves at U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, JAPAN. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Morris, a native of Aurora, New York, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Bryan Niegel

Morris graduated from Southern Cayuga Central School District High School in 2019.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Aurora.

“I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Morris.

Morris joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Morris serves as a naval aircrewman.

“I joined the Navy because it was a good opportunity to travel and my brother also served in the Navy,” said Morris.

Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Morris in Japan as part of the forward deployed naval forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Morris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of graduating from rescue swimmer school and becoming a fully qualified aircrewman,” said Morris.

Morris can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means having a lot of opportunities for financial security, education, and travel,” said Morris.

Morris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my English teacher Bill Mullarney,” added Morris. "He helped show me that going straight to college after high school was not the only option for a successful career and he helped prepare me for starting a career in the Navy."