Sailor Works With Navy's Most Advanced Helicopter

Editor's note: the following was submitted by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach

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CANTON, GA -- A 2010 Creekview High School graduate and Ball Ground native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the military branch's newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Webb is a Naval air crewman with the Grandmasters of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46, a 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 pounds (max gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas. As a Naval air crewman, Webb is responsible for radar and aerial gunnery operations.

“I love the thrill and excitement that comes with knowing that I am the first line of defense for ships that we are deployed with,” Webb said.

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.

The helicopter replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems. Webb said he and other HSM-46 sailors are proud to be part of a war-fighting team that readily defends America at all times.

“Nothing beats the brotherhood here at HSM-46,” he said. “I always know my brothers and sisters have my back; whether on or off duty.”

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Roughly 270 Navy men and women are assigned and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly. This includes everything from maintaining helicopter air frames and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weapons and flying the aircraft.

“The mission of HSM-46 is to embark and deploy combat-ready helicopter detachments around the world Webb is a big part of why we are so successful," said Commander Chris Richard, HSM-46 commanding officer. "They has a tireless work ethic, and embody our squadron motto of ‘Set the Standard.’ I’m very proud of Webb."

Serving in the Navy, Webb said he is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.

“I've learned the needed responsibility that will help me succeed in life both professionally and personally,” said Webb.

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Image via U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreac