Chicago Native Serves At U.S. Navy Helicopter Squadron In Japan

Chief Petty Officer Lauren Walter (Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel). By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, JAPAN. — Chief Petty Officer Lauren Walter, a native of Chicago, Illinois, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan. Walter graduated from John Hope College Preparatory High School in 2008. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Chicago. “Growing up, I learned resiliency,” said Walter. “I also learned how to survive and adapt. No matter how bad things seem, it will always get better.” Walter joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Walter serves as a yeoman. “When I joined the Navy, it was very spontaneous,” said Walter. “I was in college and went to a Navy recruiter and signed up. I enjoy that I can play a part in keeping our country safe.” Members of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 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...