SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Amir Hassan, a native of Elgin, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Hassan graduated from Burlington Central High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elgin.
“Growing up in my hometown, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance,” Hassan said. “These lessons have helped me stay disciplined, work well with my fellow sailors and push through tough situations throughout my time in the Navy.”
Hassan joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Hassan serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after high school,” Hassan said. However, I knew I wanted a career I could look back on and be proud of for the rest of my life. After talking to different branches, I found the Navy had the best opportunities for career growth and discipline.”
Members of HSM 49 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Hassan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is making petty officer second class in two years,” Hassan said. “I am especially proud of this because it reflects my dedication to my career and the trust my leadership has placed in me.”
Hassan serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of a family with a shared mission to protect and defend,” Hassan said. “It has also given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally."
Hassan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mentors, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Boudreaux, Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Heyder and Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Briseno, for playing a significant role in my career growth,” Hassan added. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”