by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2007 Bentonville High School graduate
and Lafayette, Louisiana native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron
that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Lt. j.g. Jonathan Marie 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, Marie is responsible for commanding the MH-60R
helicopter.
“Being a pilot is rewarding,” said Marie. "I enjoy when you learn something you get to put it into practice right away.”
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.
Marie said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“My first impressions of this command is that it is a tight
knit group that is very personable and approachable,” said Marie.
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, Marie is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The most significant thing the Navy has taught me is
the importance of work ethic,” said Marie. "If something isn't going right, try new things until they work."