Lt. j.g. Joey Mascaro, a native of Peoria, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 40, based out of Mayport, Florida.

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.

Mascaro, a 2013 graduate of Sunrise Mountain High School and a 2018 graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical management technologies, joined the Navy three years ago.

“I've always considered myself an ambitious person and I wanted to do something that was unique, challenging and fulfilling,” Mascaro said. "I've always had a respect for military service with my grandfather, Joseph Mascaro, having served in the Navy."

Today, Mascaro relies on skills and values similar to those found in Peoria to succeed in the military.

“The biggest lesson I learned growing up in Peoria was the importance of having a strong work ethic,” he said. "It was something that was instilled in me at a young age by my parents and something that I've always believed is one of the keys to my success in my naval aviation career."

These lessons have helped Mascaro while serving in the Navy.

HSM 40 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, according to Navy officials.

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.

"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," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."

Serving in the Navy means Mascaro is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the national defense strategy.

“The Navy serves as both a forward strike and deterrence force,” said Mascaro. "The assets we have allow us to actively fight against enemies that would threaten our national security."

Mascaro and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest moment was earning my 'Wings Of Gold',” Mascaro said. "That moment was the culmination of everything I had been working toward since I first attended officer candidate school in 2019. The training to get to that point was challenging at times and those Wings, to me, represent all the ups and downs I went through to get where I am now."

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

“To me, serving means being a part of something bigger than myself,” Mascaro said. "In naval aviation especially, we all rely on each other. My job is both mentally and physically demanding and there are days where it takes it out of you. It's important, though, to never lose sight of the bigger picture. As challenging as it may be, it is ultimately one of the most rewarding things you can ever do."

Mascaro is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my parents, Jimmy and Jeannie, most of all,” added Mascaro. "The lessons they taught me and the values they instilled in me are what have allowed me to succeed all these years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support."