KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Jul. 31, 2023) – Petty Officer 3rd Class Dalon Dixon, a native of Hampton, Virginia, 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.
“I joined the Navy to do something different and use it as a stepping stone for my future education and career,” said Dixon.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Hampton.
“I learned that being knowledgeable helps set you apart from others and helps you easily accomplish tasks,” said Dixon.
Today, Dixon 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 is 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, Dixon 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 is important to national defense because, with our forward presence, we deter our adversaries,” said Dixon.
Dixon has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is staying on track and being consistent,” said Dixon.
As Dixon and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
Dixon is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents for being great role models in my life and I would like to thank my uncle for teaching me to be humble,” added Dixon.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach