Navy Office of
Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2006
East Union High School graduate and Manteca, California 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 John Cardoza 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, Cardoza is responsible for various operations aboard helicopters including rescue, weapons systems and anti-submarine systems.
“I enjoy getting to
come to work and jump out of helicopters," said Cardoza. "I also get to shoot weapons from helicopters, which is awesome."
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.
Cardoza said he and
other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily
defends America at all times.
“I like the camaraderie
and the brotherhood I have with my fellow airmen,” said Cardoza.
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. Cardoza 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 Cardoza,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46
Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Cardoza
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has taught
me better self-discipline and has made me more focused on achieving my goals
not only professionally but personally as well,” said Cardoza.