by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2006
Aloha High School graduate and Portland, Oregon
native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s
newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Victor Magdaleno
is an aviation electrician’s 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 electrician’s mate, Magdaleno is responsible for
preventive maintenance on various electrical equipment for the command.
“What I most enjoy about working at this command, is the various
obstacles that challenge me on a day to day basis and how I’m able to overcome
them and see my own personal results in the end,” said Magdaleno.
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.
Magdaleno said he and other
HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends
America at all times.
“We set the standard which is our motto, and the
achievements that we have at the command shows that we are the best HSM
squadron on the entire east coast,” said Magdaleno.
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. Magdaleno
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 Magdaleno,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46
Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Magdaleno
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has helped me establish
structure," added Magdaleno. "It's provided me a strong work ethic. I also love traveling and
experiencing different cultures throughout the world."