Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2008 Harry S. Truman High School
graduate and Croydon, Pennsylvania 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 Michael Price 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 an air crewman, Price is responsible for operating sensors
in Naval helicopters.
“My job gives me the opportunity to be doing something
different every day,” said Price. “We're rescue swimmers, we shoot guns, we
track submarines and a lot more.”
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.
Price said they and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be
part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“The best part about this command is that they are fair while still expecting the best out of you,”
said Price.
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. Price 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 Price,” commented Commander
Chris Richard, HSM-46 commanding officer.
Serving in the Navy, Price said he is learning about being a
more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“The Navy has taught me that anything you get out of life is
what you put in,” said Price.