(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2007 Fife High School graduate and Milton, Washington native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
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| Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward |
Petty Officer 1st Class Chad Matthews credits much of their success from lessons they learned growing up in Milton.
“Growing up in Milton taught me how to adapt and overcome controversy,” said Matthews. "I use that on a daily bases as I serve."
Matthews is a naval aircrewman with the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 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.
As a naval aircrewman, Matthews is responsible for serving as a rescue swimmer, and operations aboard the MH-60R helicopter.
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.
Matthews is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.
“The Navy gave me the opportunity to learn a trade and have financial stability,” said Matthews.
Matthews said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to provide for my family and serve my country at the same time,” said Matthews.
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.
Matthews is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon capital assets, Matthews and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Serving in the Navy, Matthews is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Being able to show my family what pride for your job, providing for your family and pride in your country look like,” said Matthews.
“Growing up in Milton taught me how to adapt and overcome controversy,” said Matthews. "I use that on a daily bases as I serve."
Matthews is a naval aircrewman with the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 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.
As a naval aircrewman, Matthews is responsible for serving as a rescue swimmer, and operations aboard the MH-60R helicopter.
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.
Matthews is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.
“The Navy gave me the opportunity to learn a trade and have financial stability,” said Matthews.
Matthews said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“My proudest accomplishment is being able to provide for my family and serve my country at the same time,” said Matthews.
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.
Matthews is playing an important part in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon capital assets, Matthews and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Serving in the Navy, Matthews is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Being able to show my family what pride for your job, providing for your family and pride in your country look like,” said Matthews.