Leesburg native supports U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron

By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 2nd Class Johne Jones, a native of Leesburg and a graduate from Loudoun County High School in 2013, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35. She joined the Navy seven years ago.

“Growing up, I learned that you can’t be afraid to go outside of what you know,” said Jones. “Leesburg is a small-town community and it wasn’t until I got to community college that I realized how diverse the world is. The military is diverse. We’re all from different backgrounds and cultures. Learning that really helped me and gave me a better perspective.”

“I joined the Navy to travel and to give myself a better life,” said Jones. “I worked in retail for four years while I was going to community college and I didn’t take school as seriously as I should have. I saw the military as a way to travel, have a career and continue my education. I also wanted a better life for myself and my future family.”

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.

“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.”

“My proudest accomplishment is recently getting selected for officer,” said Jones. “In school, I was seen as delicate and there were people who didn’t think I could make it through boot camp. By finishing my degree and being selected for officer, I’m showing my daughter that she can achieve anything she puts her mind to. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you have that determination, you can achieve it.”

“Serving in the Navy is understanding that we all have a responsibility in the world,” said Jones. “Those of us who choose who put on a uniform, we know it doesn’t stop when you take that uniform off. I’m a sailor 24/7. It means being ready at all times, just in case I’m called upon. It never stops. It’s something I’m very proud of.”

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

“I want to thank my mom because, without her, I don’t think I would have viewed the military as an option,” added Jones. “Everyone, good and bad, has impacted me in some way in my time in the Navy. Bad people have shown me what not to do and the good people have taught me what I want to pass on to my future sailors.”