MAYPORT, Fla. – A 2014 Sidney High School graduate and Sidney, Ohio, native is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squadron that flies the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter.
Airman Joshua Miller is an aviation electronics technician with the “Vipers” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 48, 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 pounds (maximum gross) and can travel over 120 miles per hour for nearly 320 miles on a tank of gas.
As an aviation electronics technician, Miller is responsible for computers and components in the MH-60R helicopter.
“I like that my job gives me the opportunity to work on a warfighting platform,” said Miller.
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.
Miller said he and other HSM-48 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.
“The people at our command are very welcoming and everyone is close with each other,” said Miller.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied within the squadron. Approximately 270 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.
“The thing I love the most about being a part of this great organization are the people,” said Cmdr. Jeff Hill, HSM-48’s commanding officer. “The level of commitment and professionalism by every member of Viper Nation is second to none. But more importantly, they represent what’s best about our nation and the generation of American’s dedicating their lives to something bigger. Dedicating themselves to making a difference. Because at the end of the day, that’s what we do in Viper Nation, it’s what we do in the Navy, we make a difference.”
Serving in the Navy, Miller is learning about being a more respectable leader, sailor and person through handling numerous responsibilities.
“The Navy is a great stepping stone for a career,” said Miller. “I originally joined for the opportunity to go to college, but having the training they provide is just as valuable.”
