ATSUGI, Japan — Airman Tyra Henderson, a native of Russell, serves in the U.S. Navy as a member of a helicopter squadron forward deployed to Japan.

Henderson attended Hays High School and graduated in 2021.

Henderson joined the Navy two years ago.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to pursue a unique lifestyle that allotted me challenges to match my ambition,” said Henderson.

Today, Henderson serves as an aviation electrician’s mate with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51.

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Russell.

“Growing up, my parents always taught me the meaning of hard work, which I have applied in the Navy everyday,” said Henderson.

Members of 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 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; 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 its 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.

As a member of the Navy, Henderson is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is a part of our defense strategy by guarding our seas with our ships and aircraft to keep the U.S. and our trusted allies safe,” said Henderson.

Henderson serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend - across all domains - any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”

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

“My proudest accomplishments is getting recognized for my overall energy and camaraderie,” said Henderson.

As Henderson 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 living a life, building a career and exploring the world, while aiding in the protection of my country,” said Henderson.

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

“I would like to thank my brother, because he reminds me that the way I live my life affects other people,” added Henderson.