SAN DIEGO — Lt. Ali Kozlowski, a native of Columbiana, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California.

Kozlowski graduated from Crestview High School in 2010 and Kent State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in radiation oncology. Additionally, Kozlowski will be starting a master’s degree soon and hopes to be a department head eventually.

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

“I learned growing up the importance of tenacity and the value of hard work,” Kozlowski said. “You have to see things through and never give up, just like in the Navy.”

Kozlowski joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Kozlowski serves as a helicopter pilot.

“I joined the Navy after working in a hospital for five years,” Kozlowski said. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, so I applied to Officer Candidate School.”

The “Merlins” of HSC 3 train pilots and aircrewmen to fly the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Combat Logistics and Medevac.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

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.

Kozlowski has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is being able to help those in need,” Kozlowski said.

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

“I flew a lot of search and rescue missions in Guam, resulting in 19 people being saved,” Kozlowski said. “Having the opportunity to be an instructor pilot and teach the next generation is very rewarding.

“Serving in the Navy means everything to me.”

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

“I want to thank my friends and family who have shown me support throughout my Navy career,” Kozlowski said.