Hudson County to Helicopters

Airman Juan Olivero Brown, a native of Jersey City, is serving in the U.S. Navy with the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

Olivero Brown graduated from Bayonne High School in 2017 and joined the Navy one year ago. Today he serves as an aviation machinist’s mate.

He said the values he learned growing up in Hudson County have carried over into his service.

“Growing up, I learned that life goes on with or without you,” Olivero Brown said. “You have to take control of your life and go after the things you want to achieve.”

Olivero Brown said the Navy has opened doors for him. “I joined the Navy to set my life up for the better,” he said. “The Navy has provided me many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.”

The Sea Knights fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics, and medevac.

Olivero Brown said he takes pride in helping build his command. “I just recently joined the Navy, so I haven’t accomplished much yet, but I’m proud to be standing up this previously decommissioned command, and I’m proud that I’m learning the ins and outs of how to be successful,” he said.

The Navy is commemorating its role in the nation’s defense this year as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.

“Serving in the Navy means I am protecting the people I love and the people of this nation,” Olivero Brown said.

Olivero Brown credited those who helped him find his path. “I want to thank the Mercado family for inspiring me to join the Navy and helping me find what it is I want to do with my life,” he said. “I also want to thank my mom, sisters and my nieces for their unconditional support.”