by Lt. Wes Holzapfel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 1st Class Robert Zhan
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2012 Grover
Cleveland High School graduate
and Brooklyn, New York native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter
squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced
helicopter.
Airman Erick Espinosanina is attached to the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Maritime
Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, 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.
Espinosanina is responsible for maintaining and
ensuring the upkeep of the squadron’s helicopters.
“The Navy has taught me basic
life skills and financial management,” said Espinosanina. “I apply the things I learned here to my personal life.
Because of the Navy’s teachings, I am more equipped as a leader.”
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.
Espinosanina said they are proud to be part of a
warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I am a first generation service
member in my family of six,” said Espinosanina.
“I am the oldest and I strive to be an example for them to follow.”
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.
Serving in the Navy, Espinosanina is learning about being a more
respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous
responsibilities.
“Serving in the Navy has allowed me to increase my personal development,” said Espinosanina. "I
became a U.S. citizen in the Navy. I have a great since of pride serving in the
Navy. Many don’t know what what we do in the here.”