Cleveland native supports versatile missions while serving with U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. – Airman Shane Mintz, a native of Cleveland, Tennessee, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to a helicopter squadron operating out of Norfolk, Virginia. Mintz graduated in 2021 from Bradley Central High School.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cleveland.

“Working on cars back in Cleveland made me technically savvy and prepared me for my job in the Navy,” said Mintz.

Mintz joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Mintz serves as an aviation electronics technician.

“I joined the Navy to gain experience and take advantage of the benefits like education and financial freedom,” said Mintz.

Members of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 fly and maintain the Navy’s MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter. 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, Florida. Six of them, known as “The First Six,” earned their “Wings of Gold” one year later. 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. According to Navy officials, our nation and our Navy are stronger because of their service.

Serving in the Navy means Mintz is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy keeps the country safe and provides for trade with other countries,” said Mintz. “We also provide stability that keeps us the most powerful country in the world.”

With 90% 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.

Mintz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud of the service I’ve been able to provide to our nation during the time that I’ve been in,” said Mintz.

As Mintz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means I get to protect my country and keep the American people safe,” added Mintz.