by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2006 Middle College High School at
Medgar Evers graduate and Brooklyn, New York native is serving with a U.S. Navy
helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most
technologically-advanced helicopter.
Lt. Olufemi Lawrence is a pilot with the “Vipers” of
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, 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, Lawrence is responsible for commanding the
MH-60R helicopter.
“I like that my job is constantly changing so that everyday
the challenge is something different,” said Lawrence.
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.
Lawrence said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be
part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I love the people here because everyone is so personable
and we really care about each other,” said Lawrence. “That makes it really
great to come to work everyday.”
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 thing I love the most about being a part of this great
organization are the people,” said Cmdr. Jeff Hill, HSM-48’s commanding officer. “The level of commitment and
professionalism by every member of Viper Nation is second to none. But more importantly, they represent what’s
best about our nation and the generation of American’s dedicating their lives
to something bigger. Dedicating
themselves to making a difference.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what we do in Viper Nation, it’s
what we do in the Navy, we make a difference.”
Serving in the Navy, Lawrence is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The most valuable lesson the Navy has taught me is the
importance of team work,” said Lawrence. “Everyone is so essential in what we
do, that it really teaches you how each person coming together effects your own
ability to succeed.”