KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii – Airman Apprentice Crisol Reyes, a native of Madera, California, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 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.Reyes, a 2014 Madera South High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago. “In my civilian life, I was working several jobs and barely had time to enjoy life,” said Reyes. "I joined the Navy for a better life and to have a place of my own and a career."
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Madera. “By working various jobs, I learned a hard work ethic, to respect others, commitment, and perseverance,” said Reyes. “I also learned that you must be a follower before becoming a leader. This has helped me immensely in life.”
Today, Reyes serves with the helicopter squadron that 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.
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 are 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."
As a member of the Navy, Reyes is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities, and sustaining combat-ready forces supporting the National Defense Strategy.“The Navy is the first line of defense, and we are ready to intercept any adversaries that may come our way,” said Reyes.
Reyes has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “My proudest accomplishment is becoming an airframer because I think that it will help me in my future career endeavors,” said Reyes.
As Reyes and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy provides me with skills to use in my civilian life, and it allows me to experience things I wouldn't be able to as a civilian,” said Reyes.
Reyes is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I would like to thank my family for raising and providing for me,” added Reyes. “I would like to pay it forward to them one day.”
