Kennesaw Native Serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71

From the United States Navy

A 2011 Kennesaw Mountain High School graduate and Kennesaw, Ga., native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter, the MH-60R Sea Hawk.

Airman Kelsey Cutcher is an aviation electronics technician with the “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71, based out of San Diego.

“I like learning something new every day and working on the helicopter is exciting,” said Cutcher.

The squadron deploys its helicopters and personnel around the world aboard a variety of Navy ships, including frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

While aboard ships at sea, the squadron conducts a variety of missions.

“Our missions aboard ships include tracking and hunting enemy submarines, combatting enemy surface ships, search and rescue, communications relay, and ferrying supplies, cargo and personnel,” said Lt. Reagan Lauritzen, Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesperson.

As an aviation electronics technician, Cutcher is responsible for the computer systems and any electronic component on the aircraft.

“I like that my job is hands-on,” said Cutcher. “Fixing the parts that keep the helo running is rewarding because they can complete their mission.”

The MH-60R Sea Hawk is over 60 feet long, and can weigh up to 23,500 lbs. It is replacing the Navy’s older helicopters because of its greater versatility and more advanced weapon systems.

“The MH-60R features more sophisticated electronics, like a new low-frequency sonar and an advanced radar system,” said Lauritzen. “The Seahawk can also launch torpedoes, fire Hellfire missiles and laser guided rockets, and carry crew served weapons”

Cutcher said she is proud to be a part of the 300-member squadron that is ready to defend America at all times.

“I love that I get to live in new places, travel the world and make life-long friends with the people I meet,” said Cutcher. “Being part of the Navy is rewarding.”

Being a sailor assigned to a helicopter squadron and in a deployable status means spending a lot of time away from friends and family, but serving her country makes it worth it for Cutcher.

“Seeing the world and knowing that what I do while deployed makes a difference in the Navy is rewarding,” said Cutcher.