by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2004 Klein Collins High School graduate
and Houston native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies
the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Pierce is an aviation
electronics technician 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 electronics technician, Pierce is responsible
for the mission systems of naval helicopters.
“The mission side of the helicopter is the most exciting
side to work on,” said Pierce. "Without what I do for the aircraft, it's
not very effective for the Navy's use."
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.
Pierce said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I like the detachment concept we work under,” said Pierce. "It
allows you work in other people's job field so that your general knowledge is
greater."
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, Pierce is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The Navy has taught me that nothing is for certain,”
said Pierce. "You learn how to be more flexible and understanding of
different situations."