Avon native Lt. Hope Balser flying helicopters for U.S. Navy

MAYPORT, Florida — Avon native U.S. Navy Lt. Hope Balser serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 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. Balser, a 2015 graduate of Avon High School, joined the Navy four years ago. "I joined the Navy for the challenge, to travel and to be a part of something bigger than myself," Balser said. Today, Balser relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Avon to succeed in the military. "Growing up, I learned that the early bird gets the worm," Balser said. "As a swimmer in high school, we had to get up early and swim before school. That type of dedication and time management has helped me be successful 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, Florida; 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 Navy female aviators project power from the sea in every type of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft. Serving in the Navy means Balser 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. "As a helicopter pilot, this platform directly supports strategic national defense," Balser said. "I'm proud to be a part of that mission." Balser and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. "I'm most proud of earning my wings," Balser said. "That was one of the hardest things I have done in my life with all of the training we have to do to get to that point. Now that I have my wings, I feel l am useful and have a purpose in the Navy."