Aurora Native Supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron

Airman Christian Kimbrough, a native of Aurora, Illinois, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35.

Kimbrough graduated from West Aurora High School in 2014. 

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

“Being around a very diverse community of people with all different mindsets and perspectives prepared me for my career in the Navy,” said Kimbrough. “We may all come from different backgrounds but we all have one mission in mind.”

Kimbrough joined the Navy one year ago.

“I joined the Navy to travel, see the world, and to learn technical skills that I wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else,” said Kimbrough. 

Members of HSM 35 fly and maintain the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform. The Navy MH-60R is able to perform many different missions. Some of the most common operations include strikes on maritime targets, submarine hunting and attack, electronic warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuations and supply support. 

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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Kimbrough has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 

“I am most proud to say that I have been able to learn so much this year,” said Kimbrough. “Checking into my first command and finishing both technical and follow-up schools was challenging but rewarding.”

Kimbrough serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means I’m sacrificing my time for the safety of our fellow Americans and my family,” said Kimbrough.

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

“I would like to thank my mom, Michele, who has always been by my side and has kept me going all this time,” added Kimbrough. “I also have amazing friends back at home and new friends here in the Navy that make all of this worth it.”

Kimbrough offered encouragement to anyone considering a path in the Navy.

“The Navy is more than just a bunch of ships and serving this past year has opened my eyes to its role and importance on the world stage and in keeping us all safe,” said Kimbrough. “I would recommend enlisting to anyone. It’s given me the opportunity to meet people from around the world while working on multimillion-dollar aircraft.”