by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2001 Wilson High School graduate and Portland,
Oregon 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 Michael Thomas is an aviation
machinist’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 machinist’s mate, Thomas is responsible for the maintenance
of the engine and drive train of the MH-60R helicopter.
“I like working with my hands and this job allows me to do
that while being physically challenging,” said Thomas. “But it’s also very
mentally challenging from the problem solving aspect, which can be pretty
cool.”
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.
Thomas said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“This command is very close and they really take care of you
here,” said Thomas. “The upper management really cares about helping you
succeed.”
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, Thomas is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The Navy has taught me how to be patient both in my
personal life and at work which helps me be a better person,” said Thomas.