By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel
Navy Office of Community Outreach
MAYPORT, Fla. – Lt. Hope Balser, a native of Avon, 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.
Balser, a 2015 graduate of Avon High School, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the challenge, to travel and to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Balser.
Today, Balser relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Avon to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned that the early bird gets the worm,” said Balser. “As a swimmer in high school, we had to get up early and swim before school. That type of dedication and time management has helped me be successful Navy.”
These lessons have helped Balser 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 Balser 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.
“As a helicopter pilot, this platform directly supports strategic national defense,” said Balser. “I’m proud to be a part of that mission.”
Balser and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of earning my wings,” said Balser. “That was one of the hardest things I have done in my life with all of the training we have to do to get that point. Now that I have my wings, I feel l am useful and have a purpose in the Navy.”
As Balser 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 I’m dedicated to myself, my country and my peers,” said Balser. “It’s really important to do something bigger than yourself and it helps me keep things in perspective.”
Balser is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Faith and Roger, and my younger brother, Blake, for their continued love, support and confidence in me,” added Balser.
