On July 17th, the United States commemorated National Tattoo Day, an occasion marked by creativity and personal expression through ink. At Naval Station Norfolk, the Trident’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 (HSC-9) took center stage by showcasing their uniquely “inked” aircraft, the HSC-9 Trident 610.
Commander Robert Knoerzer proudly presented the ceremonial aircraft adorned with traditional tattoo artwork. This distinctive design blends elements of Naval traditions, global deployments, and contemporary pop culture influences.
Aviation Structural Mechanic 2 Anthony Harmon expressed the significance of this display, noting, “It’s pretty important because it allows us to express ourselves and shows that it’s not always serious business; we get to have some fun too.” He highlighted that such opportunities for creativity are rare within the Navy.
Much of the intricate artwork on the HSC-9 Trident 610 was crafted by sailors from the squadron, including AM 2 Harmon himself, underlining the personal and collaborative effort behind the aircraft’s unique appearance.
Tattoos, according to Commander Knoerzer, serve as permanent reminders of significant events, religious beliefs, or personal milestones, dating back to ancient times, with origins traced as far back as 3000 B.C. in ancient Egypt.
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