Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjeld, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Harlow, a native of San Diego, California serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, California. Harlow joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Harlow serves as a naval aircrewman.
“I joined the Navy to help other people,” said Harlow.
Growing up in San Diego, Harlow attended Patrick Henry High School and graduated in 2011. Today, Harlow relies upon skills and values similar to those found in San Diego to succeed in the military.
“My parents taught me that nothing comes for free,” said Harlow. “My father was raised by a Vietnam veteran and he was taught that life isn’t fair but they both chose to succeed anyways.”
These lessons have helped Harlow while serving with Naval Air Station Lemoore.
Naval Air Station Lemoore is home to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific and Commander Joint Strike Fighter Wing. More than half of the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft reside here, and it is the only Navy installation to house the F-35C Lightning II.
This year commemorates 50 years of women flying in the U.S. Navy. In 1973, the first eight women began flight school in Pensacola; 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 is stronger because of their service.
With 90 percent 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,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Harlow 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 is important to national defense because we are the global peace keepers,” said Harlow. “We keep the seas safe for free trade and prosperity.”
Harlow and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of being blessed with the opportunity to have 93 rescues as a rescue swimmer,” said Harlow. “It’s hard not to feel proud when you are able to save someone’s life. When I was young, before I joined, I learned that if your day-to-day job isn’t helping other people then your doing something wrong”
As Harlow and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Harlow.
Harlow is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Capt. Peterson,” added Harlow. “All the good we have been able to do wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for him.”
