Nathaniel Serkov credits his success in the Navy to his upbringing in the Lower Valley.

A 2020 Fox Chapel Area High School graduate, Serkov is serving at the Atsugi Naval Air facility in Tokyo.

“Humility and accountability have helped me,” said Serkov, a petty officer third class and helicopter aircrewman.

“My mother impressed upon me that the worst thing you can do is lie. There are a lot of aspects of this job that require knowledge. Without humility, you won’t continue to learn the things you have to, to be successful.”

Serkov was a member of the swim team during high school.

As a freshman in 2017 — on Serkov’s first dive list in his first-ever diving competition — he made his mark in a new era of Foxes’ aquatics by qualifying for the WPIAL championships.

He joined the Navy four years ago after graduation. He ignored advice to continue his education in college, saying it didn’t feel right for him.

“When I looked at the special warfare program in the Navy, it felt like a good first step toward the future I wanted,” he said.

Members of the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 fly and maintain helicopters for the Navy.

Some of the most common operations include search and rescue, air assaults, medical evacuations, supply transport and hunting submarines.

“I’m proud of developing confidence since I’ve been in,” Serkov said. “I used to think that everyone knew more than me, but I’ve learned to trust that I have the knowledge and have done the work, and I can save my crew if I have to.”

The HSM forces operate with allies to preserve an open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in that region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet which has the largest area of responsibility around the globe.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea, and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, “we will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations.

Serkov is grateful to others for helping to make a Navy career possible. He thanked his mom, who initially was opposed to his enlisting.

“My mom would say that before someone takes advantage of this country, they need to serve it,” Serkov said. “It means doing your part, however big or small, to improve your community and nation. If we all do that, we’ll leave it better than we found it.”

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