Preston native serves in U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron in Japan

ATSUGI, Japan — Petty Officer Second Class Kelsey Terry, a native of Preston, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.

Terry attended Webster County High School and graduated in 2013. He joined the Navy three years ago.

“I joined the Navy for its travel opportunities and to see the world,” the Naval officer said.

Today, Terry serves as a yeoman with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77. Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Preston.

“Before joining the Navy, I learned discipline and respect in my hometown,” Terry said.

Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 fly and maintain helicopters for the U.S. Navy. Navy helicopters are able to perform many different missions. 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, Fla.; 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 are stronger because of their service.

As a member of the Navy, Terry 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 supports national defense by protecting the seas,” he said. “If we were not out there, there would be no freedom.”

Terry serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo said. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend — across all domains — any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partners’ security, freedom and well-being.”

Terry and the sailors he serves with have many opportunities to achieve these accomplishments during their military service.

“I am glad that I am an influence for the people that I work with,” he said.

As Terry and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“It makes me happy knowing that I am able to help out Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 with their administration,” he said. “It makes me feel good helping other people who are working hard on deployment.

“I would like to thank my Command Master Chief Jenkins, who has inspired me to follow his path. I would also like to thank Yeoman Chief Blakeney, who helped me open my eyes on my career path, and Command Master Chief Lightly acts as a mentor to me. I’m just happy to be here and have this opportunity.”

Special Photo Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach