Page 12 - Aerotech News and Review, Oct. 18, 2019

Hometown Heroes
Palmdale native serves with high-tech helo squadron

by PO2 Jackson Brown “I learned the importance of de- tions, command and control warfare subordinates become peers. of a legacy that will last beyond their
San Diego pendability growing up,” said Wil- and non-combat operations. “My subordinates working under lifetimes contributing to the Navy the
liams. “People coming to ask me for “The flight controls and landing me and achieving rank shows great nation needs.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasan Wil- help is something that happens often gear are unique about the aircraft, and progression as sailors, and I like see- “Serving in the Navy gives me a
liams, a native of Palmdale, Calif., both in and out of the military, so it’s we’re in possession of all of it,” said ing that progression, it’s inspiration-
was inspired to join the U.S. Navy by important to be able to help them.” Williams. al,” said Williams. sense of dedication,” said Williams.
his brother. HSM 71’s primary mission is to Serving in the Navy means Wil- As a member of one of the U.S. Na- “This is a lifestyle of dedication, and
“My brother joined the military conduct sea control operations in liams is part of a world that is taking vy’s most relied upon assets, Williams I get to dedicate my time to the com-
before me, and I saw his experiences open-ocean and coastal environments on new importance in America’s fo- and other sailors know they are part munity.”
and wanted that for myself,” said Wil- as an expeditionary unit. This includes cus on rebuilding military readiness,
liams. hunting for submarines, searching for strengthening alliances and reforming
Now, six years later, Williams surface targets over the horizon and business practices in support of the
serves with the Raptors of Helicop- conducting search and rescue opera- National Defense Strategy.
ter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 71, tions. A key element of the Navy the
working with one of the Navy’s most According to Navy officials, the nation needs is tied to the fact that
advanced helicopters at Naval Air Sta- MH-60R is the Navy’s new prima- America is a maritime nation, and that
tion North Island, San Diego. ry maritime dominance helicopter. the nation’s prosperity is tied to the
“Life gets busy here sometimes, and Greatly enhanced over its predeces- ability to operate freely on the world’s
the work can be tedious, but it’s im- sors, the MH-60R helicopter features oceans. More than 70 percent of the
portant work,” said Williams. a glass cockpit and significant mission Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80
Williams, a 2011 graduate of system improvements, which give it percent of the world’s population lives
Palmdale High School, is an aviation unmatched capability as an airborne close to a coast; and 90 percent of all
structural mechanic with HSM 71, a multi-mission naval platform. global trade by volume travels by sea.
versatile squadron that’s capable of As the U.S. Navy’s next generation “Our priorities center on people, ca-
completing a number of important submarine hunter and anti-surface pabilities and processes, and will be
missions for the Navy with the MH- warfare helicopter, the MH-60R “Ro- achieved by our focus on speed, value,
60R “Seahawk” helicopter. meo” is the cornerstone of the Navy’s results and partnerships,” said Secre-
“I’m basically a fabricator for the Helicopter Concept of Operations. tary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer.
body of the aircraft, and I also work Anti-submarine warfare and surface “Readiness, lethality and moderniza-
on flight controls and landing gear,” warfare are the MH-60R’s primary tion are the requirements driving these
said Williams. “I work on everything missions. Secondary missions include priorities.”
you can see on the aircraft.” search and rescue, medical evacua- Though there are many ways for
Williams credits success in the tion, vertical replenishment, naval sailors to earn distinction in their Navy photograph by PO2 Jackson Brown
Navy to many of the lessons learned surface fire support, communications command, community, and career, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jasan Williams
in Palmdale. relay, command, control, communica- Williams is most proud of seeing his
desertvineyard.org

Saturdays 6PM 1011 EAST AVE I
Sundays 9AM & 11AM LANCASTER
JOIN US + La Viña del Desierto Service

VICTORY Finding cures. Looking for great food in North Edwards?
Baptist Church Saving children. ® Flu y, the pizza chef, will make you happy.
And we deliver to gate
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ®
10173 South Loop 800-822-6344 • stjude.org
California City
Ron Smith, Pastor
• Sunday School 10:00 am • Morning 11:00 am
• Sunday Evening 6:00 pm • Wednesday 7:00 pm
For transportation from Edwards AFB call
(760) 373-7314 760-769-3135 ASK ABOUT OUR CATERING
Independent - Fundamental St. Jude patient Natalie with her dad, 13005 Claymine Rd., 10% o - Military Discount
North Edwards, CA
www.victory-baptist.org Mike, Technical Sergeant in the Air Force
A CFC Participant. Provided as a public service.
Experience community. Discover truth.
Ken Neill Kennels Same Day Service
Lancaster Baptist is a church with Mobile Service
a friendly, family atmosphere, Established in 1969 We also o er Door Mechanisms
compassionate vision, and strong Window Regulators • Chip Repairs
commitment to Bible truth. We o er Cleanliness you can see, touch, and smell Side Mirrors • Sun Roofs • Door Handles
classes speci cally designed for military Mon. – Fri. • 8 am - 5 pm
Mon. - Sat.
families and single. Join us this 8 am – 5 pm
Pastor Paul Chappell Sunday at 0830 or 1100. Sat. – Sun. • 8 am - 3 pm Closed Sunday
4304 West Avenue N • Palmdale
lancasterbaptist.org 661-943-3434 SMAUTOGLASS17
@yaHoo.CoM
Only 15 minutes from Edwards South Gate 661-267-1434
661.946.4663 4020 E. Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93535 kenneillkennels@aol.com

Aerotech News and Review
12 www.aerotechnews.com ........ facebook.com/aerotechnewsandreview October 18, 2019