NORFOLK, Va. (Mar. 29, 2023) – Lt. Joseph Lyon, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, supports versatile missions while serving at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.
Lyon joined the Navy seven years ago.
“My father was a Navy helicopter pilot and had a successful career,” said Lyon. “Seeing his career inspired me to join, I grew up around the Navy my whole life so I have always loved flying and helicopters since I was a kid.”
Lyon attended Frank W. Cox High School and graduated in 2011. Additionally, Lyon graduated from Virginia Tech in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Skills and values similar to those found in Virginia Beach are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“I have grown up around many high-ranking officers and they served as excellent role models,” said Lyon. “They modeled how I should conduct myself in the Navy. For example, my best friend’s dad was an admiral who was very professional, squared away and a great person to look up to overall.”
These lessons have helped Lyon 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, Lyon 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.
“In times of peace, the Navy is critical to keeping the seas safe for international trade and enforcing our foreign policies with power projection,” said Lyon.
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.”
Lyon and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Becoming an instructor at the Fleet Replacement Squadron is my proudest Navy accomplishment,” said Lyon. “Only the best pilots are selected to instruct in Navy operational aircraft.”
As Lyon 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 defending our way of life, carrying on an important tradition and representing the most powerful Navy in all of history,” said Lyon.
Lyon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank, Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Mattingly (Sprinkles),” added Lyon. “He was my officer in charge on deployment when I was the assistant officer in charge. He was a fantastic role model who gave me a lot of responsibility.”
By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach