Fitchburg, Wisc. Native keeps the Navy’s newest, most advanced helicopters flying

by Navy Office of Community Outreach

(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2012 Oregon High School graduate and Fitchburg, Wisconsin native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.

Airman Kiara Racchini is an aviation electrician’s mate 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 an aviation electrician’s mate, Racchini is responsible for ensuring proper direct communication within the aircraft.

“My job is very challenging but I like the fact that this type of occupation is definitely out of the realm for a 22 year old female,” said Racchini.

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.  

Racchini said she and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“This command is definitely a family type atmosphere," said Racchini. "Everyone is willing to help one another achieve their professional goals."

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, Racchini is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.  

"The Navy is very challenging but rewarding at the same time,” said Racchini. “It teaches perseverance that helps you succeed both professionally and personally.”