Hometown Military News
Greer Native Serves With U.S Navy Helicopter Crew
By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller NORFOLK, Va. – A 2008 Greer High School graduate and Greer, South Carolina, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2) at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. j.g. Jake MacLeod is a Navy pilot serving with the Fleet Angels, a versatile squadron that’s capable of completing a number of important missions for the Navy with the MH-60S “Knighthawk” helicopter.
As a Navy pilot MacLeod is responsible for the safe operation of the MH-60S helicopters. MacLeod credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Greer. “I learned integrity from my father,” said MacLeod. “As an officer, it's not just about flying but we have to work with people and that requires a good sense of integrity.” HSC-2 trains more than 1,500 pilots, aircrewmen and aviation students annually. Squadron members train those who will fly and maintain the MH-60S helicopter in a variety of missions, including fleet logistics support, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. When flying the “Knighthawk” helicopter, members of the Fleet Angels search for surface ships, support special operations forces, conduct combat search and rescue missions, and perform other military operations around the world. A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, according to Navy officials, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea. MacLeod is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of National Defense Strategy. “Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.” Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, MacLeod is most proud of earning Navy aviation wings. “It was a great accomplishment that I worked for years to earn,” said MacLeod. “It was a long road and it paid off.” Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for MacLeod, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. MacLeod is honored to carry on the family tradition. “My brother was a sergeant in the Army and my grandfather was in the Army, too,” said MacLeod. “It motivated me to join because I wanted to be a part of the family tradition and the military tradition I learned about as a child. I really always wanted to serve.” As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, MacLeod and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs. “The Navy gives me an opportunity to serve my country and the self-fulfillment of doing the right thing,” added MacLeod.