ATSUGI, Japan - Airman Angel Gomez, a native of Houston, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.

Gomez attended Lamar High School and graduated in 2017.

Gomez joined the Navy two years ago.

“I was influenced to join the Navy because my brother joined prior and he said he was enjoying his time in the Navy,” said Gomez.

Today, Gomez serves as an aviation electronic technician with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77.

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.

“Growing up, my dad taught me a lot about getting things done and working with him drove the work ethic that I have today,” said Gomez.

Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.

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.

As a member of the Navy, Gomez 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.

“Our presence is very strong in the Western Pacific, so our allies feel safe and our adversaries tread lightly when we are around,” said Gomez.

Gomez serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence," said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. "Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend - across all domains - any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being."

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

“I always feel very proud when I troubleshoot any computer system on the aircraft and get it right,” said Gomez.

As Gomez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“The Navy gives me good career opportunities to grow into,” said Gomez.

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

“I would like to thank Aviation Electronics Technician First Class Russell, as she is helping our shop stay ready,” added Gomez.