by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2010 Social Circle High School graduate
and Social Circle, Georgia native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter
squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced
helicopter.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Durden 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, Durden is responsible
for the maintenance of the electronics systems of the MH-60R helicopter.
“I really like the challenge of my job,” said Durden. “It is
really fulfilling to have something in front of you that is broken and you are
the one that fixes it.”
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.
Durden 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 that we are so close and more like a family at this
command,” said Durden. “I can really count on the people here.”
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, Durden is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The Navy has really taught me how to be positive and
that helps make anyone better,” said Durden.