by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 1994 Colegio Congracion Mita High School graduate and San Juan, Puerto Rico native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
As an aviation machinist's mate, Hernandez is responsible for maintenance and inspections of rotor systems and engines on the MH-60Rs.
“I get a sense of satisfaction knowing the aircrew are safe due to my attention to detail in inspecting the aircraft they fly,” said Hernandez.
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.
Hernandez said he and other sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“We get a lot of training and mission experience with our aircraft due to the high demand of our flight schedules,” said Hernandez.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Approximately 297 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 Airwolves of HSM-40, represent the best and the brightest our Navy has to offer,” said Cmdr. David Loo, HSM-40 commanding officer. “HSM-40's mission is to train Fleet Replacement Pilots and Aircrewman for deployed shipboard operations in the MH-60R Seahawk aircraft. The training conducted includes aircraft flights and full visual simulators in Aircraft Operations, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Search and Rescue, and Shipboard Operations. HSM-40’s support, maintenance, and instructor staff allow for the completion of over 100 assigned students, year round, operating 16 MH-60R helicopters and 5 simulators.”
Serving in the Navy, Hernandez is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
"I've learned to be more responsible and self-disciplined since joining the Navy,” said Hernandez. “I've learned teamwork within my community. I love the traveling aspect of being in the military and getting to see the world.”