Pound Ridge Native Serves as U.S. Navy Pilot

POUND RIDGE, N.Y. - Lt. Luke Aleksandravicius, a native of Pound Ridge, is serving our country in the U.S. Navy, assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP).

Aleksandravicius graduated from Iona Preparatory School in 2011 and joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, he serves as a pilot.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

“I had little exposure to the military growing up,” said Aleksandravicius. “My first experience was attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar. I had no interest in the military at the time and I didn’t want to go. But, after a few short weeks, I realized nothing before that felt as fulfilling as the idea of being surrounded by like-minded people. That concept is what sustained me through the past nine years.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those he found growing up in Pound Ridge.

“The most important thing I learned growing up is to never act entitled,” Aleksandravicius said. “In the Navy, I’ve had the good fortune to serve with some of the most intelligent, successful and selfless individuals. While I’ve been successful so far in my naval career, an attitude of earning my way every day keeps complacency off and makes me more fun to work with.”

According to Navy officials, members of HSMWSP fly and maintain the Navy’s most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platforms. The Navy’s helicopters are 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.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

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.

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

“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.”

Aleksandravicius has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“The thing that has been the most impactful for me was becoming a Romeo weapons and tactics instructor,” he said. “Nothing I’ve done in my career up to this point has had as large an impact on me personally and professionally. The amount of trust and responsibility the Navy has given me has made my career worthwhile. It is incredibly humbling.”
Aleksandravicius can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy is just that, service,” said Aleksandravicius. “And service entails sacrifice. If that is time away from home, time lost with loved ones or more significant sacrifices, service in the Navy is about shifting your focus from self to the oath and willingly facing those hardships. Carrying that viewpoint into my life, I hope, will make me a better husband, father and human being.”

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

“I want to thank my parents, Don and Dalia. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far,” added Aleksandravicius. “I also want to thank my sister, Sofija, for helping guide me through the most challenging times while in service.”

Article courtesy of Ensign Joash Ward, Navy Office of Community Outreach.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net