Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2012 River Valley High School graduate
and Yuba City, California 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 Morgan Riney is a yeoman 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 yeoman, Riney is responsible for administrative duties.
“My job gives me the opportunity to receive a lot of
leadership training,” said Riney.
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.
Riney said they and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be
part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“This command is family oriented and gives me the opportunity
to grow and adapt,” said Riney.
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. Riney 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 Riney,” commented Commander
Chris Richard, HSM-46 commanding officer.
Serving in the Navy, Riney said he is learning about being a
more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“The Navy gives you the opportunity to jumpstart your career
and you get to see the world,” said Riney.