Navy Office of
Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2007
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate and Sarasota, Florida native is serving with a U.S.
Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most
technologically-advanced helicopter.
Lt.j.g. Jack Haller
is a pilot 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 pilot, Haller is responsible for flying helicopters. He is currently a co-pilot
and in the process of becoming aircraft commander for the command's aircraft.
“I enjoy the flying
and teamwork associated with my aircrew,” said Haller.
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.
Haller said he and
other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily
defends America at all times.
“We have a very
close-knit group of people here at this command," said Haller. "It really is an outstanding
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. Haller 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 Haller,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46
Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Haller
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has given
me the patience and people skills needed to interact with sailors on a day-to-day basis,” said Haller.