Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Dill, a native of League City, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49.

Dill was homeschooled and graduated in 2011.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in League City.

“I learned in my hometown to work hard and to stay focused on my goals,” said Dill. “Grandmaster Garza instilled in me values like discipline, honor and respect. He trained me for over 10 years in martial arts.”

Dill joined the Navy ten and a half years ago. Today, Dill serves as an aviation structural mechanic.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to start a new career and I wanted to explore the world,” said Dill. "It's been a good career so far. I’ve served on three ships, been on four deployments and now have a wife and two kids, Ameilia and Charlotte.”

Members of HSM 49 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support.

With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Dill has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being able to learn and achieve a supervisor position,” said Dill. “HSM 74 got me to become the sailor that I am today. I am proud of that because it allows me to teach the next generation of sailors in the Navy.”

Dill serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“I am very prideful to serve in the Navy,” said Dill. “I take pride in knowing that I serve my country and knowing I have a job that I am good at. I also take pride in knowing that every day I come home, my wife and kids will be there.”

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

“I want to thank my wife, Emilee, because she understands the pressures she would have to endure as a military spouse and she is always there when I need her the most,” added Dill. “I also want to thank my parents, Susan and Kieth Dill, for encouraging me to join the Navy.”

For more information, visit navyoutreach.blogspot.com/