by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2004
Andrew Jackson High School graduate and Jacksonville, Florida
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
Irvin Gantt
is an aviation ordnanceman 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 aviation ordnanceman, Gantt
is responsible for armament storage and arming various
weapons within the command.
“I love the tight-knit group at MH-60R,” said Gantt. “It’s a
home away from home.”
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.
Gantt said he and other HSM-46 sailors
are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all
times.
“I love the camaraderie at this command," said Gantt. "I’m so proud to be
a part of this excellent family atmosphere."
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. Gantt
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 Gantt,” commented Commander Chris Richard,
HSM-46 Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Gantt
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The morals, values and
principles instilled in me from the Navy has definitely made me a better man
and father," added Gantt.