by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2014 Sidney High School graduate and Sidney,
Ohio native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the
Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Airman Joshua Miller 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, Miller is responsible
for computers and components in the MH-60R helicopter.
“I like that my job gives me the opportunity to work on a
warfighting platform,” said Miller.
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.
Miller said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part
of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“The people at our command are very welcoming and everyone
is close with each other,” said Miller.
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, Miller is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The Navy is a great stepping stone for a career,” said
Miller. "I originally joined for the opportunity to go to college, but
having the training they provide is just as valuable."