Navy Office of
Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 1996
Snow Canyon High School graduate and Saint George, Utah native is serving with
a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most
technologically-advanced helicopter.
Chief Michael Davison
is an aviation electronics technician 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
electronics technician, Davison is responsible for repair and maintenance
of various avionics systems within the command.
“I love the traveling
aspect of this job and the benefits it provides me and my family,” said Davison.
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.
Davison 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 teamwork here
and the sense of pride everyone has with the command,” said Davison.
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. Davison 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 Davison,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46
Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Davison
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has given
me a sense of responsibility and the leadership skills needed to not only excel
in the military but in life,” said Davison.