Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Samantha Oblander | EAST CHINA SEA (June 25, 2022) Lt. Olivia “Drift King” Czerewko, from Lemoore,...... read more read more
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A Lemoore, California native and 2017 graduate of the United States Naval Academy is serving aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) while conducting operations in the East China Sea.
Lt. Olivia “Drift King” Czerewko is an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter pilot stationed with the “Warlords” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 at Naval Air Field Atsugi, Japan. She is currently serving as the detachment maintenance officer for the Det. THREE Samurai Tigers aboard Dewey.
“I knew I wanted to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in college and work in a challenging but rewarding job field afterwards,” said Czerewko. “When I got accepted to the Naval Academy, I knew that this school fit that description. I earned a Bachelor of Science in oceanography and attended flight school afterwards with the goal of becoming a naval aviator.”
Many people figure out what they want to do for a living while in college and Czerewko distinctly remembers the moment she knew she wanted to become a pilot.
“I first soloed an aircraft during a summer internship in college,” said Czerewko. “We’d had about 15 hours of training flights with an instructor before our solo flight, and even though I was nervous, I thought it was the best thing in the world. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a pilot.”
From Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination, where students are introduced to flight basics, to Advanced Flight Training, where students learn skills specific to their chosen platforms, training to become a naval aviator can be a long and difficult process and Czerewko shared how she felt about the experience.
“I remember studying for my first check ride for weeks, and after I passed that check ride, I felt such an immense relief,” said Czerewko. “It was very short-lived because there was always a new check ride or test or qualification that I needed to study for. Each step felt like it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but when I look back at that first check flight, I really appreciate the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained since then.”
Becoming a naval aviator is no walk in the park and Czerewko shared what advice she would give to aspiring aviators.
“It takes a village,” said Czerewko. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my family, friends and Sailors. Every step of the way I’ve needed help learning or understanding something and there’s no better way to learn than asking someone who has more experience or knowledge for help. Naval aviation is a great ‘apprentice program’ and I’ve found that the best way to learn is to ask for help when you need it.”
In the decades since the YR-4B helicopter’s first combat mission on April 25, 1944, the Navy has used helicopters in a multitude of ways. Czerewko shared a few of the different missions that utilize helicopter squadrons.
“Helicopter squadrons can do so many different jobs in the Navy: anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, search and rescue, and logistics, to name a few,” said Czerewko. “We are extremely adaptable to the requirements of the mission and we can land pretty much anywhere. I think that makes us pretty vital to the Navy and its mission.”
With a job as rewarding as it is challenging, it could be hard narrowing down what the best part of her job is, but Czerewko had no problems describing what she loves about being a naval aviator.
“I love being able to leave work and stress behind when I go flying,” said Czerewko. “Not every flight is easy and our job is inherently dangerous, but I really enjoy those flights where I can watch the sun set over the ocean or fly somewhere new around the world.”
Even though she loves her job, Czerewko also makes a point to enjoy her down time too.
“I love getting away from work and exploring different cities in Japan,” said Czerewko. “It’s amazing here. I love finding small izakayas or coffee shops when I explore side streets in larger cities. When I’m at home, I bake and spend time with my husband to relax.”
Spending time with family can be a good way to de-stress and according to Czerewko, coming from a family with military background makes it easier to relate to each other.
“I’m not the first person in my family to join the military,” said Czerewko. “Both my parents were in the Navy and I also have four siblings who are currently in the Navy as well. I love that we are able to fully understand each other and the military lifestyle.”
Whether it is attaining a college degree, seeing the world, or serving their country, most Sailors enter the Navy with goals they want to accomplish. With plenty of support from those around her, Czerewko has accomplished one of the goals she had when she joined the Navy.
“I finally have my dream job, which is becoming a division officer,” said Czerewko. “For aviators, we spend several years in our career learning to fly before joining our fleet squadron, and during that time, our only job is to study and fly. I’ve really enjoyed being able to lead my Sailors, but I’m especially grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from them.”
Sometimes the people you work with can be the best sources of knowledge and Czerewko shared something she’s learned throughout her time in the Navy.
“I’ve learned that your attitude can impact your whole division or work center,” said Czerewko. “It might seem like a small thing, but the little things don’t go unnoticed in both good and bad ways. I’ve seen firsthand how someone’s positive attitude toward a problem or task can influence other’s attitudes.”
In 1974, the Navy became the first branch of the United States military to welcome women aviators. It wasn’t until 1993, nearly two decades later, that women were allowed to pilot combat missions. Today, women make up about 12 percent of all Navy pilots and Czerewko shared what her experience has been as a female aviator.
“In my experience, the naval aviation community has been really awesome about maintaining an equal playing field,” said Czerewko. “I’m very thankful that my qualifications are based on my knowledge and ability to pilot an aircraft. I’ve encountered a few bad eggs, but the majority of the people I’ve worked with have been very supportive. At the end of the day, I just strive to do the best job I can in whatever role I’m needed in.”
Dewey is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet and routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect critical regional partnerships.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2022 21:12 |
| Story ID: | 424302 |
| Location: | YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 169 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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