Sharon, Vt. Native keeps the Navy’s newest, most advanced helicopters flying

by Navy Office of Community Outreach

(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2007 Hartford High School graduate and Sharon, Vermont native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.

Lt. Morgan Ogreen 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, Ogreen is part of an aviation team responsible for supporting and defending Naval ships throughout the fleet. 

“I enjoy working with and taking care of my sailors on a day to day basis,” said Ogreen.

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.

Ogreen said she and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“The sailors at HSM-46 are very motivated and are eager to complete the missions at hand,” said Ogreen.

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. Ogreen is a big part of why we are so successful. She has a tireless work ethic, and embodies our squadron motto of ‘Set the Standard.’ I’m very proud of Ogreen,” commented Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46 Commanding Officer.

Serving in the Navy, Ogreen said she is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities. 

“The Navy provides me with the necessary leadership skills and confidence needed to lead and mentor my sailors,” added Ogreen.