By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Rullo, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 3rd Class Nijell Sanford, a native of Houston, Texas, 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.

Sanford, a 2018 graduate of J. Frank Dobie High School, joined the Navy five years ago.

“I joined the Navy for educational opportunities,” said Sanford. "I also have family who have served in the military in all branches."

Today, Sanford relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Houston to succeed in the military.

“I learned in Houston that there is opportunity in every setback,” said Sanford. "When I'm faced with a problem, I try to think through it and find a solution."

These lessons have helped Sanford 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 Sanford 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.

“The Navy is important to national defense because we provide and maintain a worldwide presence that deters adversaries,” said Sanford.

Sanford and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I am most proud of being allowed to mature and travel more than anyone I know back home,” said Sanford. "I've gotten a chance to Guam, which is a beautiful island."

As Sanford 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 has helped me to broaden my horizons,” said Sanford.

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

“I'd like to thank Petty Officer 1st Class Marquise, who encouraged me to find a community within the Navy where I would succeed,” added Sanford. "I'd also like to thank my parents, Nijell and April, for the way they raised me."