Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2004 Navarre High School graduate and Navarre,
Florida native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the
Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jarred Scolari is an aviation
electricians mate 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 electricians mate, Scolari is responsible for maintenance
of the MH-60R helicopter.
“My job gives me the opportunity to work with people from
around the country,” said Scolari. “I enjoy working with people from all kinds
of backgrounds.”
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.
Scolari said they and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be
part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“This command has a tight-knit group which is the lifestyle
that I like,” said Scolari.
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. Scolari 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 Scolari,” commented Commander
Chris Richard, HSM-46 commanding officer.
Serving in the Navy, Scolari said he is learning about being
a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“The Navy has taught me if you take care of others they will
take care of you,” said Scolari.