'She Is Setting An Example': Manhattan Beach Hero

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Chris Davis who nominated Eileen Shea Davis LT USN of Manhattan Beach.

Local hero’s full name

Eileen Shea Davis LT USN

Local hero’s home state

Grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA. Now stationed in Norfolk, VA

Local hero’s Patch

Manhattan Beach

How do you know the local hero?

relative

What does the local hero do?

Flies MH-60 helicopters for the US Navy

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

She has always believed in giving back to the community. Now she does it on a bigger scale - defending our country at sea and in the air.

Newly returned from the maiden voyage of the Navy's newest, largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, she and her squadron, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9, performed exercises with our NATO allies in the Atlantic Ocean.

Shea was born and raised in Manhattan Beach. She attended Meadows, MBMS and Mira Costa. She was active in Model UN, Choir, Robotics, Soccer and Cheerleading (all of which she claims have given her skills useful in training to fly jets and helicopters).

She attended Lawrence University and University of Hawaii, earning a BA in Biology. Shea also has an AS in Professional Aeronautics from Miramar College and is currently working on her MS in Space Systems from Florida Tech.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Whether in grade school or on an aircraft carrier, Shea has always believed in bringing people from diverse groups together. Never a fan of cliques, she knows that a community is better if everyone feels that they belong. A lifelong volunteer and natural leader, she is willing to put in extra effort if it helps others in her community.

She is very aware that women are a minority in the US Military, and even more of a minority as aviators. She is conscious that she is setting an example for the women (and men) she works with and for the girls that will follow her into careers in aviation. She currently mentors other young women hoping to become officers in the Navy.

Thank you for all you do, Eileen Shea Davis LT USN!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.