KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii – Petty Officer 2nd Class Jermaine Almazan, a native of Alpine, California, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 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.
Almazan, a 2020 Steele Canyon High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I wanted to start my career instead of going to college, so I decided to join the Navy,” said Almazan.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Alpine.
“My parents taught me patience growing up and that has helped me a lot in my life,” said Almazan.
Today, Almazan serves with the helicopter squadron that 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.
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.”
As a member of the Navy, Almazan is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy protects all of the United States, as well as our allies from foreign and domestic adversaries,” said Almazan.
Almazan has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I made the rank of petty officer second class in under two years and I’m pretty proud of that,” said Almazan.
As Almazan and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something bigger than myself, to be able to serve in the world’s greatest Navy and join the ranks of those who have served before,” said Almazan.
Almazan is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
