NORFOLK, Va. (Mar. 30, 2023) – Airman Shuai Zhen, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, supports versatile missions while serving at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.
Zhen joined the Navy almost two years ago. Today, Zhen serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I joined the Navy because of the cool uniform,” said Zhen. “I walked on the street and saw people wearing blue uniforms, and I thought they were so cool.”
Skills and values similar to those found in Virginia Beach are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“When I worked at Uplay, I learned how to be a team player and how to be patient,” said Zhen.
These lessons have helped Zhen while serving with the Navy.
Members of HSC 2 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. In general, 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, Zhen 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.
“The Navy protects the seas and ensures freedom of navigation,” said Zhen.
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.”
Zhen and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of being responsible for the pilot’s safety,” said Zhen. “It’s my job to make sure their equipment is good to go.”
As Zhen 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 means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Zhen. “I am part of protecting national security and keeping our country safe.”
Zhen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my brother, Liang Zhen,” added Zhen. “He used to be in the Navy and that is another reason I joined. His service showed me what the Navy would be like, so I was not afraid to join because I knew what was coming. He taught me a lot.”
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach