A Hampton, Virginia, native serves in the U.S. Navy at a helicopter squadron who flies the newest and most technologically-advanced helicopters.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel
Petty Officer 1st Class Djuanta Bailey joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Bailey serves as an aircrew survival equipmentman.
“I joined the Navy for the economic opportunities that it has afforded my family,” said Bailey.
Growing up in Hampton, Bailey attended Phoebus High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Bailey finds the values in Hampton similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned how to be a well rounded man, to have great morals and be who I wanted to be,” said Bailey.
Bailey serves with the “Wolfpack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM 75), a San Diego-based squadron that operates the Navy’s next generation of submarine hunter and Anti-Surface Warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk. Each helicopter is nearly 65 feet long, may weigh up to 23,500 lbs. (max gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.
HSM 75’s mission is to conduct combat operations as an integral part of Carrier Strike Group Nine and Carrier Air Wing Eleven,” said Cmdr. Tom Mashuda, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 75. “Our mission success requires that all hands work in unity as a pack. Every member of HSM 75 has a vital part in our mission from the most junior aviation maintainer ensuring our MH-60 aircraft are combat-ready to the pilots and Naval Aircrewman who operate them.”
Bailey and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of my success as a whole, especially earning my promotion to petty officer first class,” said Bailey.
As Bailey and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy has taught me life lessons and how to be a man,” added Bailey. “It has given me financial stability and taught me how to balance life with work. It is a great honor to be in the Navy and carry on my family legacy. I have learned so much in the Navy. I appreciate what the Navy has given me.
