Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2010
Creekview High School graduate and Ball Ground, Georgia
native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s
newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Petty Officer 2nd Class
Cody Webb
is a Naval air crewman with the
“Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, a Mayport,
Florida based squadron that operates the Navy’s next generation submarine
hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk. Each helicopter
is nearly 65 feet long, may weigh up to 23,500 lbs. (max gross) and can travel
over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.
As a Naval air crewman,
Webb is responsible for radar and aerial gunnery operations.
“I love the thrill and
excitement that comes with knowing that I am the first line of defense for
ships that we are deployed with,” said Webb.
According to Navy officials, the MH-60R is the most capable
multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. It is used for a variety
of missions, including hunting and tracking enemy submarines, attacking enemy
ships, search and rescue, drug interdiction, delivering supplies and supporting
the Navy’s special operations forces.
It is replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its
greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems.
Webb said he and other HSM-46 sailors
are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all
times.
“Nothing beats the brotherhood
here at HSM-46,” said Webb. “I always know my brothers and sisters have my
back; whether on or off duty.”
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron.
Approximately 270 Navy men and women are assigned and keep all parts of the
squadron running smoothly. This includes
everything from maintaining helicopter airframes and engines, to processing
paperwork, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.
“The mission of HSM-46 is to embark and deploy combat-ready
helicopter detachments around the world. Webb
is a big part of why we are so successful.
He has a tireless work ethic, and embodies our squadron motto of ‘Set
the Standard.’ I’m very proud of Webb,” commented Commander Chris Richard,
HSM-46 Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Webb
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“I've learned the needed
responsiblity that will help me succeed in life both professionally and
personally,” said Webb.