By Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2002
Nansemond River High School graduate and Suffolk, Virginia
native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the
Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Airman Brian
Boone 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,
Boone is responsible for troubleshooting electronic equipment for the
navigation computer systems for the MH-60R helicopters.
“What’s most enjoyable about my job, is that I feel like I'm making an everyday difference for the
command," said Boone. "I love making a contribution to my country."
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.
Boone 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 serving at this command because we are all a such a tight-knit group," said Boone. "It’s a real family type atmosphere
with all the sailors and crewman.”
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. Boone
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 Boone,” commented Commander Chris Richard,
HSM-46 Commanding Officer.
Serving in the Navy, Boone
said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person
through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy has provided me
with the necessary tools needed to excel both professionally and personally,”
said Boone.