(MAYPORT, Fla.) – A 2008 Woodbury Senior High School graduate and Woodbury, Minnesota, 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 Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward |
Petty Officer 1st Class Nathaniel Helminski credits much of their success from lessons they learned growing up in Woodbury.
“I learned in Woodbury that with a strong work ethic you can accomplish anything,” said Helminski.
Helminski is a naval helicopter tactical 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 helicopter tactical aircrewman, Helminski is responsible for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
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.
Helminski is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.
“My grandfather served in WWII. He inspired me,” said Helminski. “I actually carry his WWII dog tags with me every day,” said Helminski.
Helminski said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I am proud to play a part in molding the next generation of people to do my job after I am gone,” said Helminski.
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.
Helminski 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, Helminski and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Serving in the Navy, Helminski is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Serving in the Navy means dedication to my country being a proud patriot,” said Helminski.
“I learned in Woodbury that with a strong work ethic you can accomplish anything,” said Helminski.
Helminski is a naval helicopter tactical 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 helicopter tactical aircrewman, Helminski is responsible for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.
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.
Helminski is now a part of a long-standing tradition of serving in the Navy our nation needs.
“My grandfather served in WWII. He inspired me,” said Helminski. “I actually carry his WWII dog tags with me every day,” said Helminski.
Helminski said they are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“I am proud to play a part in molding the next generation of people to do my job after I am gone,” said Helminski.
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.
Helminski 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, Helminski and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes.
Serving in the Navy, Helminski is learning about being a more respectable leader, Sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“Serving in the Navy means dedication to my country being a proud patriot,” said Helminski.