by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2010 Cocoa High School graduate and Titusville,
Florida 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 Michael Allred is a naval air crewman 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 naval air crewman, Allred is responsible for monitoring
helicopter systems.
“I like that my job gives me the opportunity to fly,” said Allred.
"It's a cool opportunity to do things that not many people get to do.”
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.
Allred 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 this command gives me the chance to be around
great people who make this an outstanding work environment,” said Allred.
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, Allred is learning about being a more
respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
"The Navy has taught me that you have to earn everything
that you get,” said Allred. "It teaches you not to take anything for
granted."